Since the pandemic there has been a massive shift in the way we live our lives. Some positive, some negative, and while most feel like they have either returned to ‘normal’ or close to the normal, there is an elephant in the room. We as a people are unhealthy and the trend was accelerated by Covid. Whether it is due to the physical nature of lockdowns that prevented people from getting out of their house and moving or going to the studio. Whether it is due to the mental toll it took on people, being separated from loved ones, staring at screens all day, overworked in a remote environment where you are never ‘off the clock’. All these things add up, and there is almost nobody out there who didn’t feel the negative effects of the world of covid.
So where does that leave us? Many of us are seeking newfound health and happiness - one that we took for granted before covid but we know is still within reach. But how do we get there? What are the things we need out of life to make us healthy again? Let’s explore the ways that attending Pilates classes at a boutique studio can help create new, healthy habits , clear our heads, find community, and connect with the world again in a way that we long for.
Movement is Good - More Movement is Better
We’ve become sedentary and need to move more. Period. Our daily lives sitting at a computer are not exercising our full range of motion. Our hips are tights, our joints crack, and there is always an annoying tweak in our back or neck that won’t go away. Step 1 to fix this is simply more movement. There is absolutely no excuse why we can’t get 10,000 steps in daily - but that is just a start. To feel good we need to extend the body through its full range of motion more often - it doesn’t have to be every day but it should happen regularly. It could be every other day or even once a week. The point is that we need to be moving more AND we need to make conscious decisions about how we treat our bodies.
Pilates is the perfect start to moving more - it could be on the mat or on a reformer. Anyone from beginner to expert can benefit from doing pilates . Nobody wants to someday be a grandparent that isn’t able to get off the floor after playing with their grandchild. Nobody wants to struggle putting dishes away when they have to reach high over their head. What about that heavy suitcase? Will you be able to lift it above your head to slide it in the overhead bin on the airplane when you are 60? 70? 80? If we want to remain capable then we need to move more. Pilates is a practice that builds mobility, stability, balance, alignment, and strength. All of these things are essential for us to stay as healthy and mobile as we can be. Let’s reverse all the damage from sitting and get back in the studio!
The Mental Side of Joining a Pilates Studio
Why do people like boutique Pilates studios more than big box gyms? Take a look at reviews on google in your local area. Many boutique studio’s will have ratings higher than 4.5 and the big boxes are usually much lower. The answer is community, which feels like something we lost during covid and we haven’t figured out how to fill that void. There is simply no fitness community like one at a boutique studio. Instructors want to get to know you so they can understand your needs and help you feel better, both physically and mentally. Theirs is truly a job of passion! Studio owners want to make it the most welcoming space possible. Other people taking classes are there for the same reasons as you - they want to move, they want to feel part of something and they want to feel good again. I’ve talked to so many people who take a reformer Pilates class and say that it clears their head. Time away from work, family, and the stresses of life for a little while is an absolute necessity. You will feel refreshed and walk away knowing that you did something positive for yourself that day.
Let’s Not Use the Pandemic as an Excuse Anymore
The pandemic has had a significant impact on our physical and mental health. We have become more sedentary, and our mental health has suffered due to isolation, stress, and uncertainty. Pilates can help us to reverse the damage that has been done and regain our health and happiness.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints. It is also a great way to improve our flexibility, strength, and balance. Pilates can also help to improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
In addition to the physical and mental benefits, Pilates can also help us to connect with others. Boutique Pilates studios often have a strong sense of community, and this can be a great way to make new friends and feel supported.
If you are looking for a way to improve your health and happiness, Pilates is a great option. It is a safe and effective exercise that can help you to feel better both physically and mentally.
Here are some additional tips for getting started with Pilates:
- Find a reputable studio with experienced instructors.
- Start with a beginner class and gradually work your way up to more challenging classes.
- Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard.
- Be patient and consistent with your practice.
Pilates is a great way to improve your health and happiness. If you are looking for a way to get started, I encourage you to find a reputable studio near you and take a class. You won't be disappointed.
