Modern mindfulness is a thriving industry as in this hyper-connected, 24-7, fast-paced world, there is an understanding that in order to live mindfully is to live with increased focus, relaxation as well as balance. We all want it!

As opposed to the practice of meditation, mindfulness is less about spirituality as well as more about concentration. In short, it’s about the ability to quieten your mind, direct your focus on the present, and set aside any distractions.

Mindfulness is in our schools as well as our boardrooms. It’s mobile in video and streaming live. Mindfulness is also about being built-in to modern fitness formats and packaged up as ‘mindful exercise’.

Why Most People Join A Pilates Class

Most people come to a Pilates class in order to get a flat tummy, ease joint pains and pains, rehabilitate after a surgery or enhance their athletic performance. Pilates can do all of that!

However, the most amazing part is when students of Pilates begin seeing differences not only in their bodies but in their minds, in their feelings and in their lives generally as well. Pilates is a true miracle tool.

The modern world which is full of distractions, stresses and chaos. Each one of us is looking for a personal state of peace and tranquillity that would help us make sense of everything that is going on in our lives.

When looking for that inner balance we often consider popular self-improvement techniques such as meditation, simplifying, affirmations, etc., however we rarely consider any form of exercise as a viable tool to help us balance our lives.

The Art of Breathing

In addition, breathing plays an important role in Pilates which has strong links to mindfulness. Breathing is something which we don’t really think about, however it can play a very significant role in how we feel. Breathing can be affected by stress and anxiety, becoming faster and shallower as a part of the fight or flight response.

Over time alterations in our breathing can become automatic as we deal with the relentless stresses of daily life. Pilates can assist us with focusing on our breathing. This form of exercise encourages us to breath into our rib cage and utilise our diaphragm.

Gentle, slow breathing using the diaphragm has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This aspect of our nervous system is responsible for calming everything down. It acts to lower the blood pressure, dilate blood vessels and relax the muscles. The opposite to the sympathetic nervous system involved in the fight or flight response.

In addition to the mindfulness benefits of Pilates, this kind of exercise is all about good posture as well as proper body alignment, making it easier to sit comfortably. Of course, good posture is important for your health but you will also gain the confidence benefit from it.

As Joseph Pilates is famous for saying: Through the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning this distinctive unity of a balanced body, mind and spirit can ever be accomplished. Self-confidence follows.