Joseph Pilates, the creator of pilates back in the early 20th century, said that “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” Not only does pilates help you strengthen your core and keep an aging body flexible and limber, but it can also offer great benefits to your mental health. Through controlled movements and purposeful breathing, pilates promotes a healthy mind-body connection that can contribute to long-term happiness. Learn more about pilates and its connection to reducing stress and anxiety in your life.

One of the most immediate mental health benefits of pilates is its ability to relieve stress. The practice emphasizes controlled breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This calms the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety in the short-term. So, after just one session of traditional, or mat, pilates, you’ll see benefits of this incredible exercise.  This meditative aspect of pilates provides a mental escape, allowing you to leave behind the chaos of daily life and enter a state of relaxation. Release your physical tension and you’ll find a healthy escape from every day stressors.

Traditional pilates, also known as mat pilates, has been shown to enhance mood by boosting the production of endorphins, the body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals. These endorphins help elevate your mood and promote a sense of well-being. Unlike high-intensity workouts that can leave you feeling exhausted, pilates offers a more balanced approach, energizing both the mind and body without overstimulation. Especially for those with chronic pain and existing injuries, a workout like pilates truly illustrates the tight relationship between pilates and mental health.

Pilates also encourages a deeper connection between mind and body, often leading to increased self-awareness and confidence. As you progress in your practice, you’ll become more attuned to your body’s capabilities and limitations, fostering a sense of mastery and control. This improved self-awareness not only benefits your physical fitness but also translates into greater confidence through your life. And, because pilates is an exercise routine at its core, those with body image issues may find themselves in a better mindset after a few sessions.

As Joseph Pilates noted, pilates is much more than a basic exercise used to lower your blood pressure or help you lose weight. It can change you inside and out, promoting good mental health and a healthy mind-body connection. Whether you want to learn more about pilates for a pilates training certification or are interested in this incredible workout, find a class near you to get started.