If you struggle with depression, have you considered Pilates? Cognitive talk therapy and medicine are popular and well-known ways to treat depression; however, studies show that Pilates can positively impact our mental health and reduce depression. If you and or someone you love needs help with depression, Pilates can be a great tool to increase happiness and well-being.

Is Pilates Good for Depression?

Mental health is one component of healthy living. Many factors can improve our mental well-being, including physical exercise. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise three to five times weekly. They suggest that a consistent exercise lifestyle may help lower depression and anxiety, control stress and improve your overall mood. Exercising releases endorphins which contribute to feelings of happiness. Simultaneously, exercise can also help reduce stress hormone production.

Pilates is a great, low-impact, low-stress exercise for depression. As a mind-body modality, it can help improve cognitive focus and reduce stress through thoughtful, deep breathing movements.  According to a clinical trial study from The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, a consistent Pilates practice can significantly improve mood and happiness levels. Over an 8-week study, all 60 women over the age of 62 improved their mental health and reduced their levels of depression. Each woman completed three hours of Pilates a week for eight weeks.

How to Start Daily Pilates for Depression

Pilates is a low-impact exercise, so it is safe to practice daily if desired. When developing a Pilates practice, start with small and consistent goals. To develop a lifestyle of daily Pilates, plan the day before. Decide what time your will workout, the length of your workout and where you will do it. Writing it into your daily planner like you would a doctor’s appointment or lunch with a friend marks it as a priority. This simple habit will ensure that other responsibilities won’t crowd it out.

The night before, lay out your Pilates mat and any props you plan on using. Set out your Pilates clothes as well. For additional accountability, register for an online class to join. ProHealth Pilates in Peachtree City, GA offers several live Pilates classes online. You will get live instruction, and your instructor can also see you, providing live coaching and encouragement.   

Challenges You May Face When Trying to Start a Pilates Practice

Making lifestyle changes while struggling with depression may be challenging but not impossible. Overwhelming tiredness, hopelessness, and desire to isolate from others may prevent those struggling with depression from staying committed to regular exercise. Having an accountability partner can help with following through on their exercise plan and showing up.

Beginning something new for anyone can be intimidating and difficult. Reminding yourself that learning anything new is a process. You may have setbacks along the journey, but do your best to keep moving forward when it happens.

Setting small, achievable goals can help to stay motivated. For example, committing to 10 minutes a day for the first week. Once you hit a goal, even a small one, do something to celebrate or share your victory with a supportive friend or family member.

Finding the Right Pilates Instructor for Depression

Finding support while struggling with depression is important to your well-being and improves your chances of a healthier life with mental illness. Community support can include your Pilates instructor; however, finding the right one is key. Many Pilates studios have several instructors on their staff. Before committing to just one, try taking classes from each teacher. If bios are available on the studio website, read through and see if they mention mental well-being as a specialty or passion. Word of mouth is often the most reliable way to connect to a great teacher. Asking people in your community, within Facebook groups or online reviews, may help you connect to the right teacher. Like anyone you work with, a doctor, therapist or hairdresser, finding a good match often takes a few different tries.  

ProHealth Pilates and Physical Therapy in Peachtree City, Ga has a fully staffed Pilates team that can help you start your Pilates journey. Book a class today to experience how Pilates can help elevate your mental well-being and health.