I have found Pilates to be anxiolytic. While all exercise is great for managing the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, I’ve found that Pilates is particularly effective in doing so. As I built my Pilates teaching career, I did a deep dive into neuroscience and physiology as part of my doctoral work. In this graduate-level coursework, I learned more about the body/brain connection, and had a steady stream of lightbulb moments when I connected what I learned to Pilates. I’ve since come to view the physical benefits as a side-effect, with the main benefits of Pilates being mental. Along the way, I’ve identified five systems that are directly impacted by Pilates, and how these five systems downregulate an overactive nervous system and calm an anxious mind. Yes, Pilates is great for developing long, lean muscles. Many celebrities have embraced the practice, enjoying the aesthetically pleasing physique that arises surprisingly quickly. Joe Pilates is quoted as saying “Ten ses...
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I love the video blogs (except they make me homesick). A concept like this makes perfect sense when I see it but I wouldn't really get it if I were reading. Thanks so much.
Blue skies,
Marianne
When I first met you one of the things I noticed was that you have space between your toes when you stand and when you are in yoga poses. I tried it out, but this was never possible for me. Every way I tried to stand with my toes relaxed and a little space between them, it created a lot of tension in my foot. But it looked like it felt very healthy and relaxing when you were standing there.
For me, one of the side benefits of practicing the eye of grounding concept is that my toes naturally spread, creating that relaxed feeling in the front part of my foot.
I also experience an energizing in the foot. I assume there is a meridian there that is affected -- opened / balanced -- by this work.
Whether the yoga practitioner notices them or not, are these two effects common?