10 out of 10 people experience stress at some point in their lives and at varying degrees. Since you have a 100% chance of experiencing stress, you will need an outlet to help you find stress relief; The more enjoyable the better. I'd like to introduce you to the fine and fun art of Pilates.
It's been talked about and taught about. Exercise has many benefits including alleviating tension and lowering blood pressure. Pilates is a form of exercise that's very effective at holistically addressing stress.
Pilates not only affects the physical body by increasing flexibility and strength but also has a profound impact on the mind by helping you to gather in wandering thoughts and helping you to focus. Pilates can be used as a therapeutic or preventative means for stress relief.
Therapeutic Pilates
Consider that when you are feeling the pressures of stress, your body reacts by tensing up muscles, giving you a headache, eye strain, etc.
Having a Pilates session can help to alleviate that tension. This is using Pilates therapeutically to combat stress.
Pilates as a Preventative
Regularly participating in Pilates helps to condition your body and mind. When your body is in excellent form and your mind is conditioned and focused, you are better prepared to deal with stress when it does come your way...and it will come your way, eventually.
During Pilates, your body serves as it's own source of resistance and combines the techniques of yoga and martial arts. Stretching tensed muscles coupled with deep breathing, your body can adequately release stress and tension.
Working with a trained Pilates instructor is recommended initially, in order to learn proper form and technique. After some time, you can successfully do Pilates right in your own home with instructional DVDs that can be purchased at your nearest Walmart, Target or online.
Do not allow stress to keep you all tense and wound up. Learning and regularly participating in Pilates can be a fun way to not only condition your body but also to help you alleviate some of the effects of stress in your life even when the actual stressor is still present.
Michelle Howard Smith
Michelle Howard Smith is a published author and stress & pain management professional offering a wide range of
Alternative Pain Relief Products.
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