April - Stress Awareness Month

I got into pilates because of how it benefited me mentally.

Well, no, initially I chose to do pilates because I had a bad hip and back. I had tried everything over years. Had several rounds with a physio; tried acupuncture; saw an orthopedic specialist; had MRI scan; injections; and lots of alternative therapies, but nothing worked. Finally someone suggested that I try Pilates.

Went to my first Pilates sessions and thought 'meh! don't feel what it's doing'. In the past I used to do tough boot camps & running so it felt a bit lame.

Now, I could've given up straightaway, but I noticed that for that one hour of pilates, I stopped having obtrusive thoughts about a co-worker. I had been really struggling with my mental health due to this person until pilates came along and became a safe, peaceful haven.

So, although I couldn't feel the physical benefits for my hip and back (at first), the mindful space was what made me go back for more.

Then after about 10 weeks, I noticed that I was sleeping better. Whereas I had been waking persistently during the night because every time I laid anywhere but on my left side, I got locked in pain and couldn't flip over. I now noticed, that I was able to sleep with limited discomfort. For me that felt like a miracle!

I became a total pilates convert, and I've never looked back! Practised it for many years and then got so hooked, I became a teacher! And still love it, both for its mental and physical benefits.

So, if you're looking to destress....come a long to a class. Spend an hour just thinking about your body, about the movements. It's a game changer!

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