Connecting what is between your ears with what is below your head!
By Sara Talbert, Director of Pilates
It is not unusual to see one’s body completely change after doing Pilates. In fact, one of our GATC Pilates instructors dropped 30 lbs after doing Pilates religiously. She says Pilates changed her life as well as her body. How could this be? No, you don’t put on muscle mass doing Pilates, nor is it aerobic activity.
Pilates is unlike any other form of exercise. The exercise regimen comes from a mixture of eastern and western modalities, and as it is famous for, Pilates strengthens your deep core muscles.
What Pilates also does, that many don’t talk about, is it deeply connects you with your body. It stimulates your nervous system, bringing awareness to your body that might have been lacking before. Your spine is exercised in all planes of motion, with your limbs following the lead of your torso. You are mentally challenged throughout the work to stay present and in the moment. Because of this deep focus, you are able to forget about your endless to-do list! The time spent doing Pilates is time spent focusing on yourself!
Those who have given up on themselves are the individuals who are poorly connected with their bodies; I call them floating heads! Weight gain follows with back pain and a disinterest in movement. The vicious cycle continues. They are unaware of how poor posture physically pulls them down and impacts interaction with others. Over eating (not paying attention to how much food is really needed) is also a common result of not being in tune with how your body is feeling and what your body needs.
How could Pilates help change your body for life? Pilates will increase the overall awareness of your body in space; proprioception! This awareness begins in your Pilates session and is carried with you throughout your day. The more in tune you become with your body, the light switch turns on! My clients gleam after their Pilates sessions, they feel taller, better, less stressed/anxious, optimistic, which shows in their improved posture. They want to take care of themselves.
