It’s well-known that people often look into Pilates to improve mental health as a way to exercise and help lift their mood.
Sadly, mental health across the UK has been shown to have deteriorated in the last few years, so now more than ever people are looking to find solutions and lift their mood.
It’s important to say that the best way to address any mental health issues you may be facing is through consultation with your doctor; there is plenty of good NHS support out there, and the best place to start is by visiting your GP and seeking advice from them.
However, alongside community support and medical help if suitable, lifestyle changes such as taking part in Pilates can be a real help to those suffering from poor mental health, and this blog will help us to think about why that is.
Let’s start by considering what can contribute to a decline in mental health.
What is behind the rising trend in mental health problems?
This is a very difficult question to answer, not least because everyone has a different mental health story, so there is rarely any certainty in knowing why or how problems arise.
For many, it can be helpful to think of mental health as you would any other health problem; some are genetically predisposed to suffer with poor mental health, where physical incidences like hormonal imbalances lead to mental health difficulties as a result.
For others there are more obvious factors which can lead to poor mental health, such as bereavement, difficulties at work or even another health diagnosis which then causes mental health decline.
And in some cases, it’s very difficult to tell what the factors behind mental health struggles are.
But there are some things which generally accepted as contributing to more widespread mental health deterioration in recent years:
More individualistic lifestyles
As society has become less community-focused, it’s more common to know fewer people to share our lives with.
Many of us now work from home and it’s not unusual to for some people to go days without seeing another person, or only have contact with one or two others in their life.
It’s scientifically proven that humans require strong relationships with one another to thrive, so without these, it’s no wonder that we start to struggle.
Busier lifestyles
With the widespread use of technology and instant communications meaning that life has become much faster-paced, it can be hard to keep up with appointments, responsibilities and pressures.
There are so many positives to the technology, which is now commonplace in our lives, but it can also create a world where we are too contactable, and often too busy.
At no other time in history have humans had access to as much information as we currently have, and it’s no wonder that we feel unable to process it all.
For many this pressure has built and become a source of stress, contributing to mental health problems.
Can we use Pilates to improve mental health?
There is no single ‘cure’ for mental health difficulties, and it would be prudent to avoid the advice of anyone who claims that there is.
The primary source of guidance around mental health to be listened to is that of the NHS, and anything else we recommend should be taken only in accordance with that.
Alongside and under the guidance of medical professionals, many have found Pilates to improve mental health, not as any sort of miracle cure, but because it helps to alleviate some of the strains which can contribute to poor mental health and improve people’s capacity to cope with what’s going on for them.
Let’s look at why it is that Pilates can be helpful for those struggling with their mental health.
1. Exercise lifts the mood
The NHS recommends that all exercise is good for lifting the mood, particularly for those with depression.
Many GP surgeries even prescribe exercise as a treatment for a range of conditions, including depression, with group exercise classes being recommended and even paid for by the NHS.
Our bodies thrive on exercise, with ‘happy hormones’ being released when we move our bodies, and the NHS website even mentions Pilates to improve mental health and a way to keep moving.
2. Pilates helps you to slow down
In a busy world, with lots of pressures crowding our minds, Pilates provides a way to slow down.
Through steady, controlled movements, Pilates helps you to become more aware of your body and how you’re using it, and in this way has been compared to mindfulness.
A regular Pilates class can be a great way to carve out intentional time as part of a routine to alleviate the pressures of life, helping those whose busyness and stress are contributing factors to their mental health problems.
3. Pilates brings people together
For those struggling with isolation, or simply needing some positive interaction with others, a Pilates class is a great way to make new friends or simply just be in a room with other people.
Exercise classes can provide a vital link for those needing more social contact, and Pilates is no exception.
At New Healthy Body we run online classes, which may suit those who are struggling with the idea of leaving the house but still want contact with others, as well as in-person studio sessions which are a great way to meet new people.
Some of our Pilates members have formed great friendships and regularly meet up for coffee or lunch. We also arrange social gatherings, such as our annual summer and Christmas parties.
We pride ourselves on being a Pilates community, where we bring people together and offer support whenever possible.
Would you recommend Pilates to improve mental health?
Once again, it’s good to remind ourselves that Pilates isn’t a cure for mental health problems, however it can certainly help to alleviate some of the factors which can contribute to poor mental health, such as isolation or the consistent pressure of a fast-paced lifestyle.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how to use Pilates to improve mental health, then please do get in contact with us, as we would love to chat more.
You can find out more about our Pilates classes through our website, including both in-person and online sessions.
Our 21-day programme is also available both fully online or with some in-person elements, including three one-hour classes at the studio, as well as unlimited access to over 40 online exercises and workouts and exercises – all for just £21!
It’s my hope that more and more people might find that using Pilates to improve mental health works well for them, and that at New Healthy Body we can help people to lift their mood and start to feel better both physically and mentally.