How The Pilates Rx Can Support a Healthy Gut and a Happier You
With the holidays just around the corner many of us find ourselves slipping into hibernation mode, leaving us feeling less vibrant and healthy. Therefore, it's important to refocus on habits that nurture both our bodies and minds, to ensure that we stay energized and balanced through the festive season and beyond. Prioritizing gut health during the winter months is an excellent step towards enhancing overall well being. Read on to explore the ways in which Pilates can significantly contribute to supporting and enhancing optimal gut health!
Importance of Gut Health
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, as the trillions of microbes in our microbiota play a pivotal role in supporting key bodily functions. These microbes, influenced by our environment, diet, and lifestyle, affect crucial processes such as metabolism, inflammation regulation, and even the efficacy of medications. A healthy gut not only aids in these functions but also directly impacts immune health - an astonishing 70% of the body’s immune system is housed in the digestive tract. This connection underscores the importance of balanced microbiota in building a resilient immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term health.
As we highlighted in our previous blog post, Pilates can be used as a powerful tool to improve mental health. Another reason Pilates supports brain function is through its impact on gut health. A healthy gut significantly influences mood regulation, energy levels, mental clarity and cognitive function, thanks to its connection with the gut-brain axis. A vital element of this connection is serotonin - 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut! This means a healthy gut not only supports physical health but also fosters emotional well-being!
So… How Can The Pilates Rx Support Gut Health?
Breath:
One of the core principles of Pilates, breath, plays a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation in our bodies. Chronic stress can disrupt digestion and hinder the proper absorption of nutrients, making stress management essential for gut health. Breath work helps to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), strengthens the vagus nerve (the key link between the gut and the brain), and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s “rest and digest” mode), fostering a calm and balanced state that supports optimal gut health.
Supports detoxification:
Pilates promotes detoxification through a combination of mobility, dynamic alignment, controlled movement, breathwork, and sweat production. Because our muscles are interconnected with our organs, engaging and strengthening muscles during Pilates also benefits organ function. The contraction and lengthening of muscles stimulate the organs, helping them efficiently eliminate waste and toxins.
Boosts circulation:
Pilates incorporates a range of exercises that focus on spinal mobility and dynamic alignment. These movements enhance blood flow to the digestive system helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate bloating.
Facilitates proper alignment:
In our modern society, many of us spend long hours seated at a desk, often slouching or hunching over a computer. This poor posture compresses the stomach and intestines, which can interfere with proper organ function. Maintaining good posture is essential for allowing your body and organs to work optimally. Pilates helps by strengthening the smaller, often overlooked muscles along the spine and deep core muscles improving posture and enhancing body awareness throughout the day.
A movement massage:
Pilates exercises naturally massage the digestive tract by stimulating intestinal contractions and energizing the abdominal area through multi-directional movements, promoting better gut function. Additionally, the flowing movements of Pilates supports lymphatic drainage, helping eliminate toxins and enhance overall digestive and immune health.
The Movement program is a great way to achieve all 5 of these gut health benefits, plus much more!
Click here to read more about The Pilates Rx: The Movement Program!
8 Pilates mat exercises you can do today for improved gut health!
Roll-over
Corkscrew
Single leg stretch
Criss cross
Hundred
Twist
Mermaid
Roll up
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Interested in learning how The Pilates Rx can help you reach your health goals this holiday season?
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