The benefits of Pilates are endless, which is why it's popular. Not only do you see physical results quickly, but it has the power to transform you mentally and emotionally. I know that if I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, a 20-minute Pilates class fixes everything and totally resets me. It gives me energy, focus and always puts a smile on my face. Pilates is a miracle tool for the mind.
I first got into Pilates seven years ago when I went with my mum to a class as part of her rehabilitation from her mastectomy. It was then I realised how incredible it is both physically and mentally. Mum was very unwell from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and Pilates gave her a real escape and inner serenity.
Since then, I've launched an online platform to share my passion for Pilates, and my mission is for as many people as possible to live happier and healthier lives. Lots of our users write in to tell us how they have noticed a big change in their self-confidence and inner strength since doing Pilates. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the method, said of Pilates that it offers 'complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit'. Put simply, you must concentrate on every movement. You focus on the breath, the alignment and precision of the exercise, and your mind is unable to think about anything else. It is just like meditating but without having to sit still with your eyes closed.
RELEASING TENSION
When you learn to voluntarily engage certain muscles during a class such as with deep core activation - you fire up a movement chain that might have been asleep for a long time. Your core consists of 29 muscles, and learning to use them is a cleansing rinse for your nervous system. A healthy nervous system means better communication between your brain and other parts of your body, as well as releasing happy hormones.
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Women's Fitness UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Women's Fitness UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all
If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started.
Get lean AND FIT!
Set yourself up for success with our foolproof two-week food and fitness plan
'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"
Aged just 17, cricketer Sophie Ecclestone made her international debut for England Women. By 2020, she became the number one ranked bowler in the world a title she stills holds today. Here, she tells WF about her journey so far and her hopes to inspire the next generation of cricket stars.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...
Find sanctuary in nature with the Women’s Fitness guide to forest bathing
I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'
Eve Boggenpoel talks to Alice Liveing about her past abuse, the pressures of being a social media icon and how she turned her life around to find inner peace
FIT TECH
If you exercise without tracking it, did you exercise at all? Don’t take the risk of missing a session: strap the best running watch to your wrist with these top picks
GOLDEN GIRLS
What’s it like to win an Olympic gold medal? And what does it take to stand at the top of the podium? We asked the women who know, and find out their ones to watch’ for Paris 2024
Olympic INSIDER
Olympian-turned-broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye reports on her love of sport, who she’s excited to watch at the Paris Games and why she loves dressage...
5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Got a maxed-out to do’ list? Stay calm and collected with these food and lifestyle tips from nutritionist Rob Hobson
CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!
Creator and founder of The WalkActive App, Joanna Hall is passionate about helping you get more from your walks. Here, she shares her top tips to reap the rewards from your rambles and walk yourself fitter, healthier and happier this summer