My new favorite exercise that helps me find my inner and outer strength

As many of you know, I’ve built my life around testing out health and wellness habits in search of cultivating a lifestyle that lights me up from the inside out. I love sharing these adventures and experiences with you!

One of my favorite forms of physical exercise that has become a staple in my routine is Pilates. Most people assume that Pilates, like yoga, is just a low impact method of stretching and breathing, but at it’s core (pun intended), Pilates is a full-body, sweat inducing, strengthening workout.

Much like in yoga, Pilates is centered around the concept that mental health and physical health are related. Through breath work and controlled exercises, you find a sense of calm in the mind and strength in the body. I have done almost every form of exercise at one point or another in my life, but I can truthfully say that I have never felt as strong as when I am in a dedicated Pilates routine. You gain strength from the inside out. You cultivate a sense of self-awareness that is unparalleled. Pilates has helped me immensely in connecting with my body and myself. Prior to introducing it into my routine, I was disconnected from my body. I was going through a lot, health wise, and Pilates was my way of coming back to home.

I’m certainly not alone in this sentiment about Pilates, I asked my instructor Kate, who I love, why she loves Pilates so much, this was her response: “I love Pilates because it makes you feel amazing. It’s a challenging workout but you leave energized, having worked and stretched every muscle in your body, including your mind! Through movement, it trains your body to find and use it’s own inner power and strength and makes you do everything else in life better!” That sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it?

It’s safe to say the benefits of Pilates are infinite, but to name a few:

Increases core strength
Improves posture
Improves flexibility
Lengthens and tones muscles
Improves balance and stability
Brings the body into alignment
Aides with breathing and lung capacity

If any of this appeals to you I highly suggest finding a local Pilates studio or even checking out some moves online! It has been a game changer for me in cultivating my inner and outer strength. Let me know your thoughts!

xoxo Michelle