Many of us know the extensive range of benefits that regular Pilates bestows on us; increased tone, improved strength, enhanced coordination & awareness, the rehabilitation of injuries and the ability to make us feel better about ourselves and boost our happiness. But did you know that Pilates can actually make you smarter?! Before you shake your heads and think to yourself 'what is this blonde talking about!', hear me out.
A study performed at the University of Illinois revealed that exercise that focused on the mind-body connection, including Pilates and Yoga, actually improved the intellect of its participants. This U.S study was recently certified by a similar study and experiment that took place at Yanshan University in Quinhuangdao, China. The experiment involved five students who undertook Pilates classes for ten weeks. The study revealed that each of the five participants' 'Alpha' brain power improved throughout the ten weeks.
What is 'Alpha' brain power, you might be thinking. Before discussing the Alpha state of the brain, lets discuss the stages of brain activity. Your brain is in a Beta state (an active state) when you are performing your daily activities, i.e you are awake and doing chores, working, etc. Your brain is in a Theta state when you are asleep or dreaming. The Alpha state of the brain is a bridge between the active and dream states; for example, when you have rested your head down to sleep but you are not yet in the dreaming state. In this Alpha state, your brain works at lighting speed. Your body is in a relaxed state and your level of concentration is at its highest. Hence much research has been done to develop one's ability to stay in the Alpha state without lapsing into the Beta or Theta state. The research done at the University of Illinois and in China demonstrates that consistent involvement in mindful exercise, specifically Pilates & Yoga, will improve your Alpha state and brain power.
Alpha power is 'a measure of the brain wave frequency mostly related to the hippocampus portion of the brain area responsible for memory and learning'. Increased Alpha power in the brain has been associated with enhanced memory and cognitive functions.
So how does Pilates achieve this increased brain power? Pilates focuses on several key principles, including working from your centre (your core) and controlling your movement & breath, among others. These foundations of Pilates all involve an immense mind-body connection. Connecting your breath to your movement patterns whilst engaging the correct tiny little muscles is something that requires great mindfulness and concentration. Pilates breathing assists to provide oxygen rich blood to flow to the brain at an increased state, which in turn boosts the freeing of hormones, including serotonin and dopamine, into the brain, which enhances your mood and creativity.
Pilates also has the rare ability to relax oneself whilst completely engaging the mind and body. Separate studies have demonstrated that turning off your internal thoughts to focus entirely on a workout can assist the brain in neurogenesis, which is the natural process of creating new brain cells. In addition, Pilates has been shown to decrease stress and improve sleep, which can also help the brain to function at a great level.
Ever done a Pilates workout before your workday? Do you notice how invigorated and awake you feel after the session? Ever been to a Pilates class after a long, tiring day? Remember how awful you felt prior to doing the workout and how much more alert you felt once you completed it? You owe it to your body and your brain to give Pilates a go! Whats the worst that can happen? You achieve a better body and a smarter brain!
Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724, email us at inquiries@premiumpilatesstudio.com or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com today.
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