Let’s be real — life can be a *lot*. Between back-to-back meetings, endless to-do lists and the constant hustle, stress isn’t just knocking at the door — it’s moved in and has made itself at home. 😣
But what if there was a way to kick stress to the curb that doesn't involve another glass of merlot or Instagram doomscrolling?
It’s not just about sculpting abs or improving flexibility (though that's a nice bonus!). Pilates works wonders on your mind
and body, helping you to unwind, reset and feel more in control.
So, how exactly does Pilates help you stress less? Let’s break it down — backed by science, of course.
AKA the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
You know that panicky, heart-racing feeling when stress hits? That’s your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) kicking into "fight or flight" mode.
Pilates flips the script by activating the opposite PNS — the one responsible for calming you down. 🧘🏼♀️
Science says: deep, diaphragmatic breathing in Pilates stimulates the vagus nerve, which tells your body it’s safe, lowering your heart rate and cortisol levels (your stress hormone). A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that deep breathing significantly reduces stress markers.
Hello, slow stress-busting Pilates breaths 😍
Ever feel like your brain has 27 tabs open at once? Pilates can help close a few.
If you've heard of the "mind-body connection" this it what it means. Because Pilates demands *total concentration* — focusing on your breath, posture and correct movement — it naturally pulls you into the present moment. Think of Pilates as "moving meditation", as it clears mental clutter and boosts cognitive focus.
A review in Cognitive Therapy and Research (2018) showed that mindfulness-based practices, including mindful movement like Pilates, reduce rumination and anxiety — those thoughts that go in circles when you're stressed.
The result? Pilates stops you from overthinking and helps you feel more in control.
Stress doesn’t just live in your head — it parks itself in your neck, shoulders and lower back too. If you’ve ever caught yourself hunched over your laptop like a stressed-out T-Rex, you know what I mean.
Pilates gives you the movement your body craves. Lengthening and strengthening muscles while improving joint mobility and spinal alignment all help to release all that pent-up physical tension.
A systematic review (AKA high level of evidence!) found that eight weeks of Pilates can reduce physical symptoms of stress and improved muscle relaxation (Gholami, M., & Gholampour, M., 2023).
So, Pilates is like a full-body reset button. 😍
You know that post-workout high? That’s your body releasing feel-good hormones that lift your mood and combat stress. Yes, please!
Pilates not only gets those endorphins flowing but also boosts levels of dopamine and serotonin —
the happiness trifecta. ✨
Over a 12 week program, Pilates can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Vancini et al., 2017) - how incredible is that?!
So we know that Pilates isn’t just good for your body — it’s a natural mood booster, leaving you feeling more balanced and energised.
Pilates is so much more than a workout — it’s a holistic way to manage stress, combining breath, movement and mindfulness. Whether you're battling a never-ending inbox or juggling life’s demands, just a few sessions a week can help you feel calmer, stronger and in control.
Ready to feel calm, for good?
Start your free FIITLATES trial below!
