Did You Know that Pilates can Boost Your Immune System?
Did You Know that Pilates can Boost Your Immune System?
Taking care of your health is a hot topic right now and did you know that Pilates can help?
The Corona Virus is spreading across the globe at an alarming rate and is beginning to affect people’s everyday lives. Those with lower immunity can be particularly vulnerable, and many people are concerned. The Corona Virus is fueling interest in how we can boost our immune system and protect ourselves from becoming ill.
The Immune System
When studying immunity, most people look at their nutrition and lifestyle choices. It’s common knowledge that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and proteins can have immune-boosting properties. Poor lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking contribute to lower immune health.
However, it is less well-known that exercise can be a potent contributor in boosting the body’s immune system. Gentle, precise forms of exercise such as yoga and Pilates, which combine breathing and physical techniques are especially beneficial.
How can Pilates Help?
- Slow and precise physical movements stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins from our cells efficiently.
- Proper respiration supplies our blood with more oxygen.
The net result is we can fight antigens (viruses, bacteria and cancerous cells) because our immune system is healthy, and toxins are more efficiently handled. This is a simplified explanation of how the immune system functions and detailed information can be found here.
History of Pilates
Pilates is a gentle, non-aerobic, form of exercise that anyone can do and was founded by German-born Joseph Pilates, who was a gymnast.
During the Spanish Influenza pandemic in 1918, he taught core-strengthening and muscle-enhancing exercises to those with whom he was sharing an internment camp. He was able to demonstrate how a simple form of exercise which focussed on core strength and breathing protected him and his fellow inhabitants from contracting the Spanish Flu. The disease infected 500 million people globally and killed between 50-100 million yet no-one in the Pilates camp contracted the illness. This was the first indication of the immune-boosting properties that these practised movements and breathing techniques offered.
A few words From clients
How do you do it?
Pilates comprises a set of slow and precise movements alongside specific breathing techniques. The mind-body connection is important, and it’s said that the focus required can also have stress-reducing benefits. Pilates can be practised either on a mat, much like yoga, on a machine called a reformer or on other apparatus such as the Pilates chair, trapeze or ladder barrel.
Mat Based Pilates – Mat based Pilates is based on the original moves developed by Joseph Pilates and is suitable for anyone to practise. All you need is a mat and some floor space. It’s best to learn the breathing techniques and movements via a professional instructor, whether that be at a Pilates class or in a private session. Through small, precise movements, you will develop a stronger, more flexible body alongside increased lung function and improved posture.
Reformer Based Pilates – A reformer is a machine which offers resistance, thus helping the user to develop greater strength, core stability, coordination and more. The reformer comprises a sliding bed, with pulleys and ropes that many say is an excellent way to practice the original floor-based exercises. The resistance offered by the machine can be adjusted according to the purpose of those using it. Post-surgery rehabilitation, for example, requires lower resistance than those using it to develop muscle strength for sports training.
Many enthusiasts of Pilates like to mix floor-based exercises with reformer work. While anyone at home can perform the mat exercises, reformers can usually only be found in private practices and in community Pilates classes run by professionals. Using the reformer requires the guidance and expertise of a well-trained instructor.
Benefits of Pilates
Joseph Pilates recommended doing Pilates at least 3 times per week to maximise its physical and mental benefits. Professionals agree that bodily changes can be seen and felt within 10-12 weeks of practice. Think:
- Defined abdominals and great core strength
- Entire body workout, lengthened muscles for a non-bulky look
- Reduced lower-back pain
- Great backside!
- Fabulous posture
Add to this the boost to your immunity and improved general mental health, and it’s easy to understand why millions of men and women choose Pilates as their preferred form of exercise. Don’t forget, though, that Pilates is non-cardio so add walking, swimming or other types of aerobic activities to your weekly schedule. You can always integrate the Pilates jump board into your sessions for optimal results.
For a no-obligation consultation or to enquire about private sessions or group classes, please contact Whitney Vauvelle.
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Pilates by Whitney
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52 Cornwall Rd
Harrogate
HG1 2PP
T: 07860 922600
E: hello@pilatesbywhitney.com