Real-Life Benefits of Pilates

By Cheryl, Owner of Providence Pilates Center

We hear a lot of marketing messages around Pilates, Yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices. The promises are everywhere: build core strength, increase flexibility, reduce stress, improve posture. I know this because—I’m guilty of posting those same inspirational memes and educational tidbits on our studio’s social media channels.

But recently, I’ve been reflecting on what Pilates really means to me—not just as a teacher and studio owner, but as a person going through life’s hardest moments.

As some of you know, I recently lost my father to Pancreatic Cancer. This was two years after I lost my mother to Pancreatic Cancer. The fact that both of my parents suffered the same exact diagnosis within an eight month period of time was statistically an anomaly, and something that ruled our lives for the duration of the disease. Like with any cancer diagnosis, there are innumerable doctor appointments, treatment appointments, scans, ER visits, and constant monitoring. I was lucky to be able to be very involved in the care and support of both of my parents until the end.

I have been practicing and teaching Pilates since I was in my late 20's. And the one constant in my life is that, when the times get hard, Pilates keeps me going.

Pilates can:

• Keep me focused.

• Make me breathe deeply and feel the breath within my body.

• Keep my body aches and stress at bay.

• Bring me joy when I am teaching and a client tells me how good it makes them feel.

• Bring me support from my staff, my clients, and my Power Pilates family.

Overall, Pilates can help me heal when things feel broken.

Yes, Pilates can increase muscle flexibility, bone strength, and balance. Yes, it can also work your 'core' and give you great abdominals if that is what you are looking for. But, it can also be a place where you can be centered, where you can connect your mind and body, and where you can just be ok with whatever is going on right now.

If you need some Pilates support, come on in and check us out. And thank you to all of you who support me and Providence Pilates.

❤️ Cheryl