AN A-LIST WORKOUT YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO
Why Pilates Has Everyone Hooked
Ever wonder how your favorite stars stay strong, flexible, and camera-ready? Spoiler: Pilates. Low-impact, full-body, and surprisingly addictive, it might just be your new obsession, too. It’s been around for over 100 years,
Musicians who dazzle audiences with spectacle and dance also often use Pilates to improve strength and mobility. Dua Lipa is one of the biggest names in the industry right now and often puts on incredible choreography, dancing in heels, and rarely stopping throughout her performances. How does she keep it up? She includes
and many celebrities have used it throughout their careers to train their bodies and minds as they work diligently to reach the top of their respective industries.
Pilates with her regular strength training and yoga practices. Other singers and performers like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, and Harry Styles have also credited Pilates for helping them continue performing for their dedicated fans. When you start digging, it looks like more celebrities do Pilates than not. And why do they stick with it? It provides durability, improves posture, strengthens the core, provides rehab for chronic pain, pairs well with other exercises, and is easy to do anywhere. Pilates isn’t just for celebrities, either! It can provide the same benefits to you, even if you don’t have a big performance coming up!
World-renowned athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James have both credited Pilates for helping them stay in shape. James does it during the offseason to help ensure he can continue playing as many minutes as possible in his 40s, while also improving trunk stability, hip mobility, and tissue capacity. Ronaldo constantly works on his strength and flexibility in Pilates studios, as it helps him gain more range of motion without damaging his joints. He even posted on Instagram, “I love this exercise.”
Sweat and Serenity MINDFUL EXERCISE FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
There’s more to exercise than improved physical fitness; it’s also a gateway to a happier, more productive mind. With May being National Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a great time to focus on exercise as a powerful, non-medication way to combat stress, improve sleep, and reduce depressive episodes. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have nearly 70% more positive mental health days than those who don’t. Here are three tweaks to consider for your routine to better connect your physical mobility with your state of mind. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR STEPS OR SPRINTS. Although many people reach for their earbuds after putting on their walking or running shoes, practicing mindfulness is often a better way to
improve mental health than listening to music while putting your feet to work. Studies have shown that eliminating distractions and focusing on your breathing and bodily movements while walking or running can reduce symptoms of depression by up to 40%. NIX NEGATIVITY THROUGH NATURE. As mentioned in this newsletter’s cover article, spending time in nature does wonders for one’s health. For one thing, the stress hormone cortisol drops by at least 20% when you spend as little as 20–30 minutes outside. If sports aren’t your speed, simply go for a walk. A quick stroll during your lunch break can lower anxiety and help considerably in combatting depression. CULTIVATE CALMING SOCIAL CIRCLES. Humans are social animals, so it’s no surprise that mental health researchers have discovered
the highest rates of positive mental health days among people who play soccer, baseball, basketball, and other team sports. If competitive activities aren’t your thing, exercising with others (even if it’s just spending time with a walking or running companion) and maintaining positive social relationships can contribute greatly to your mental well-being. Mindful movements, fresh air, and friendly faces form a powerful trio for mental health and positivity. Get your body moving, and your mind and spirit will follow.
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