Joseph Pilates said “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life.” I can tell you from my own experience that the more I workout, the better I feel and the stronger and healthier I become. This is not a cliché – regular Pilates training will make you healthier. Read below to learn why.
5 reasons why Pilates exercises will make you healthier:
There are a few reasons why Pilates can assist with boosting your immune system and keeping you healthy:
Breathing
Pilates breathing is a key factor in good health. Pilates exercises help make your lymphatic and respiratory systems more efficient and these are crucial to your immune system. The lymphatic system is moved by breathing so one of the first things you learn in a Pilates class is how to breathe properly
Rhythmic movements
The rhythmic movements of a Pilates session stimulate blood flow and lymph flow. The full body movement found in Pilates is quite helpful to our lymphatic system because throughout the Pilates class, as your muscles contract and release, lymph vessels are squeezed and lymph is pushed along and filtered through lymph nodes on its way back to the veins and the heart
Gentle movements
Pilates movements are quite gentle compared to other workouts and is more based on recovery movements rather than intense movements. This actually allows your body to fight bacteria and viruses instead of having to repair broken down muscle tissue or hurt joints, as may cause from other forms of workout. Still Pilates makes your muscles stronger and longer but the process is more gradual and balanced with other bodily processes
Mindfulness
Pilates improves your health by calming your mind. The emphasis on breathing, concentration, focus and mindful movements encourages the sympathetic nervous system to quiet, reducing stress which research strongly shows impairs immunity
Improves sleep
Regular exercise also improves sleep quality, which is necessary for healthy immune systems
Unfortunely I can't guarantee that just Pilates alone won’t get you sick, but research show and suggests that a regular practice (at least 3-4x/week), along with other healthy choices around sleep and nutrition, can set your body up so that it can better fend off illnesses.
So what are you waiting for? Start your training today! And most of all, stay healthy! If you want to read more on how to start your Pilates journey, check out my 7 days Pilates Recovery Program that will restore your health, your strength, your flexibility, improve your breathing and relax your body and mind.