It’s no secret that the more we move, the better we feel. It just gets the juices flowing, right?
And, there’s science behind it. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise releases those feel-good endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers released by the brain. They are hormones/chemicals that can also help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Exercise is also a great way to distract yourself – who has time to dwell on the negative when you’re focusing on a particularly tough hill, counting your reps, or thinking about the treat you’re definitely going to deserve afterward. Negative thoughts have a tendency to snowball; quash them with that cool new pair of sneakers you just bought.
Some people prefer to fly solo, but joining an exercise class, or doing activities in groups with humans you enjoy being around, has its own benefits.
According to an article from the CNS Center of Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry in Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the biggest benefits of social interaction is how it can reduce a person’s stress level. The article goes on to say that stress is one of the biggest issues that can damage a person’s mental health. That can include disorders like anxiety, depression and PTSD.
So surround yourself with others. Laugh a little. Increase those serotonin levels in your brain. It will do wonders for your mood and mental health.
I reached out to NYC fitness expert Kristin McGee about the Pilates piece of the puzzle when it comes to your mental health. Kristin is a nationally recognized celebrity yoga and Pilates teacher.
“I think Pilates specifically helps because of the mind-body connection,” Kristin told me. “When you are practicing Pilates, you are very mindful of the movement. You are also practicing the 6 principles: concentration control, centering, flow, precision and breath. I think having this kind of structure is super beneficial for the brain, and every time I take a Pilates class personally I feel so much better afterward.”
Me: Have you worked with clients who have come out of a state of depression or overcome other mental health issues due to their Pilates practice?
Kristin: I’ve worked with many clients who said that Pilates has gotten them through many dark times in their life as they were able to really connect to their center, find a deeper meaning, get a better mind-body connection, feel more united, and have a healthier outlook overall.
Me: What advice would you give to people who are considering joining an exercise program – perhaps with the specific goal of reducing stress/clearing their minds and improving their mental health?
Kristin: I would say, look at exercise as a form of “working in” as opposed to “working out.” There really is no external goal that you need to worry about. It’s more about finding that peace from within, doing something that really helps you feel good and the rest will fall into place.
Great advice, Kristin!
Ready to start your Pilates journey toward a more balanced you? Here’s a link to our latest class offerings.