Pilates: The ultimate mindful movement – A yogi’s perspective
When you think of mindfulness and exercise, the first thing that comes to mind is probably yoga. Of course, the philosophies that underpin the practice of yoga are born from meditation. Pilates, on the other hand, has its roots in the physical, with precision of movement and core strength at its heart. However, if you’re a seasoned yogi or someone who values the connection between mind and body, you have probably discovered that Pilates is, in its own right, an extremely mindful practice.
I’ve been practising yoga for twenty years now and have recently become a reformer Pilates afficionado. As a yogi, I have a strong physical and philosophical foundation for appreciating this new practice. I love the engagement of Pilates – both physical and mental. There’s connection in becoming completely immersed in my body, in a way I haven’t experienced in yoga before. The simplicity is enticing – with little observable differentiation between the most and least experienced student in the class. I find this comforting and refreshing, and I can see why more and more people are jumping aboard the Pilates bandwagon. Here are some of the reasons I’m calling Pilates the new ultimate mindful movement.
Complete immersion in the moment
The precision of Pilates demands your full attention – especially when you’re newer to the practice. Whether you’re holding a plank or pulsing in your hundreds, each motion requires you to be fully present, engaging the right muscles, and moving with intention. Each movement in Pilates is executed with control, inviting a deep awareness of the muscles you’re engaging. The mind and body work together to create focussed attention that leaves little room for thinking about your latest deadline or the pile of laundry that needs to be tackled.
Breath as the bridge
Just like in yoga, the breath is an essential element in Pilates. As a beginner, I’ve found it helpful at times to let go of the concentration on the breath and simply breathe as I get my head around the movement – but it’s good to know that the breath is there, waiting for me, when I’m ready to take the next step in my practice.
Cultivating a meditative mindset
One of the most wonderful things about mindful movement is its ability to trickle into other areas of our lives. The mindfulness that we cultivate in Pilates is not confined to the hour spent in class but becomes a way of being. As we develop greater awareness of our bodies through Pilates, we start to move more consciously in everyday life. I’ve certainly become more mindful of my posture, movements, and how I engage my core muscles when I sit, stand, or walk. This mindfulness eventually inspires us to become more aware of our thoughts, behaviours, and interactions with the world around us.
A tangible practice
One of my favourite things about Pilates, and what sets it apart from yoga for me, is its philosophical simplicity. From the moment I step into the studio I have a tangible goal. It’s not about enlightenment, understanding the eight limbs, or floating out of my practice a little more evolved (though these can all be wonderful things). It’s simply a physical practice that allows me to leave my thoughts at the door and become completely immersed in my body.
An inclusive community
Some days, I walk into a Pilates class and the room is full of young, beautiful women. Other days, there are a handful of men and I’m the youngest person there. The class is usually made up of people from all walks of life, at different levels, all there with the intention of ageing with ease. It’s not about who can strike the most impressive pose for social media but engaging with a community of like-minded people who all care about health, longevity, and moving mindfully through life.
The ultimate synergy
Don’t get me wrong – yoga was my first love and still is a huge part of my physical and spiritual practice. I love that I can step onto my mat and feel like I’m coming home. The familiarity of the shapes and the creativity of the sequences allows me to find a flow state,
both physically and mentally. Those precious moments in savasana leave me feeling like a better version of myself when I float out of the room. But adding Pilates to my practice has provided a fresh perspective. In the world of mindful movement, there’s no need to limit ourselves to just one practice – yoga and Pilates complement each other perfectly. But - as a long-time lover of movement, it’s safe to say that adding Pilates to my repertoire has taken my mindfulness practice to a whole new level that’s enriching my life both on and off the mat.