Many of us relate to our bodies in ways that are disconnected, dysfunctional, or even abusive. We absentmindedly overindulge in food and drink while streaming our favorite series or watching a team sport. We even check out mentally when we exercise–choosing to run on the treadmill while watching our favorite videos or doing the same mindless routine every time we come to work out rather than consciously connecting to and encouraging our bodies in the pursuit of fitness. We think negative thoughts about our bodies even though they serve us well every day! If you stop and think about it, you can’t easily deny that our wellbeing actually relies on a healthy connection between the mind and body.
Thankfully, there are ways to connect your mind and your body while exercising–yoga, and pilates practices are designed to not only build flexibility, balance, and core strength, but to strengthen your mind and connect it to the work of your body.
What classifies as a mind-body workout? This category of exercise is one that requires mental focus, synchronizes movement with breathing patterns, and emphasizes muscular movements with attention to form.
At Beechmont Racquet and Fitness, we offer classes in the mind-body connection category every day of the week. Try both yoga and pilates classes to decide which resonates most with you.
Benefits of Yoga
In a recent article on Fortune.com, writer Rachel Ellis provides four important benefits of yoga on your brain. First, it has been scientifically shown to improve executive function–”the set of skills you need to set goals, follow multi-step directions, and stay focused.” Secondly, it reduces stress and inflammation, which is good for both your mind and your internal organs. This is because yoga “puts your body at intentional ease, giving it a chance to rest from the effects stress has on your systems.” Third, practicing yoga has been shown to reduce chronic pain. Finally, doing yoga fosters more mindful eating because “when you devote time to yoga, you’re more in tune with your body, and that can make you a more intentional eater.”
Why To Practice Pilates
According to a 2022 New York Times article, founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, declared, “In 10 sessions, you feel better, 20 sessions you look better, 30 sessions you have a completely new body.” Sold, right?
But what exactly is Pilates? It’s a method of exercise that “encourages participants to focus on breathing and cultivate a mind-body connection, paying particular attention to how all movement stems from the core. Exercises are repeated in sets that strategically work the muscles without exhausting them.” Some exercises are done on a machine called “the reformer,” but it can be done without equipment.
Scientific research supports an array of impressive health benefits for Pilates as well. Doing Pilates helps to improve muscle endurance and flexibility, decrease anxiety and depression, and reduce chronic pain. Further, because it improves your core stability, balance, flexibility, and posture, it can also help prevent injury in our everyday lives.
Each of these forms of workouts is about attuning your mind to your body’s needs and cues, so in addition to becoming more physically fit, you’ll become more mentally fit as well. As a result of a consistent yoga or pilates regimen, you may find yourself more in tune with your body and better equipped to make healthier decisions in your daily life. Check out our weekly offerings below!
Friedman, Danielle. “Is Pilates As Good As Everyone Says?” The New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/well/move/pilates-exercise-flexibility.html. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.
Ellis, Rachel R. “How Doing Yoga Affects Your Body and Brain—4 Important Benefits.” Fortune, 21 Jan. 2023, fortune.com/well/2023/01/21/how-yoga-affects-your-body-and-brain/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.
The Mind/Body Class Schedule: Find Your Fit!
Monday
9:45 AM Yoga
12 PM Yoga
6:30 PM Yoga
Tuesday
8:30 AM Pilates
6:15 PM Yoga
Wednesday
7:15 AM Yoga
6:30 PM Yoga
Thursday
12PM Yoga
Friday
9:45 AM Yoga
Saturday
8:15AM Yoga
10:45 AM Yoga
Sunday
10 AM Pilates