BODY SOUL WELL

Tag: health

  • Pilates, Somatic Movement & Neuroplasticity Rewire Your Body and Mind

    Discover how Pilates and somatic movement harness neuroplasticity to reduce pain, improve posture, and rewire the nervous system. Taking a somatic approach to Pilates aids healing, builds resilience, and improves brain health.

    Introduction: Movement as Medicine

    About 20 years ago I watched a video exploring how thoughts and actions create neural pathways and how we can build new, more positive, beneficial pathways by changing the way we think and move. Pilates is often celebrated for its physical benefits — core strength, posture, flexibility — but I have come to value its deeper impact which lies in how it reshapes the brain. Through somatic movement practices and the science of neuroplasticity, Pilates becomes more than exercise: it becomes a tool for rewiring the nervous system, reducing chronic pain, enhancing emotional resilience and improving cognitive health.

    This blog post explores how Pilates and somatic movement foster neuroplasticity, why mindful movement matters, and how you can harness these principles for healing and growth.

    What Is Neuroplasticity?

    Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections throughout life. It underpins learning, recovery from injury, and emotional regulation.

    Two key processes:

    • Structural plasticity: Growth of new neurons and synapses.
    • Functional plasticity: Shifting functions from damaged areas to healthy ones.

    Pilates, with its emphasis on precision, breath, and mindful repetition, directly stimulates these processes by engaging motor learning, coordination, and awareness.

    Somatic Movement: Awareness from the Inside Out

    Somatic movement focuses on felt experience rather than external performance. It retrains the nervous system to release tension and restore efficient movement patterns.

    Core principles of somatic movement:

    • Awareness of sensation
    • Slow, mindful repetition
    • Releasing habitual tension
    • Re‑educating posture and alignment

    Methods like Thomas Hanna’s Somatics, Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique all influence Pilates by emphasizing internal awareness and nervous system regulation.

    Pilates Meets Neuroplasticity

    Pilates is uniquely positioned to foster neuroplasticity:

    • Motor learning: Each new exercise challenges coordination, sparking new neural pathways.
    • Mind‑body connection: Breathwork and focus stimulate the vagus nerve, supporting parasympathetic regulation.
    • Stress reduction: Chronic stress blocks neuroplasticity; Pilates lowers stress through mindful movement.
    • Synaptic growth: Controlled spinal articulation and balance exercises stimulate synaptogenesis.

    The Role of Fascia and Nervous System Regulation

    Fascia — the connective tissue web — is highly sensory. Pilates and somatic practices enhance fascial glide, improving proprioception and communication between body and brain.

    By integrating fascia release with mindful movement, practitioners experience:

    • Reduced chronic pain
    • Improved posture and balance
    • Enhanced nervous system regulation

    Practical Applications

    🔹 For Rehabilitation

    Pilates supports recovery from injury by teaching the brain new movement strategies, improving posture and shifting function to healthy neural circuits.

    🔹 For Postpartum Healing

    Somatic Pilates retrains pelvic floor and core muscles while calming the nervous system, crucial for mothers experiencing pelvic girdle pain or postnatal anxiety.

    🔹 For Stress and Trauma

    Trauma‑informed Pilates uses gentle, breath‑led movement to regulate the nervous system, fostering safety and resilience.

    🔹 For Cognitive Health

    Regular Pilates practice enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity by stimulating neuroplasticity.

    How to Practice for Neuroplasticity

    • Novelty: Introduce new exercises, props or variations regularly.
    • Mindfulness: Focus on sensation – how does it feel – rather than performance.
    • Breathwork: Use diaphragmatic breathing to access parasympathetic states.
    • Consistency: Repetition strengthens neural pathways.
    • Slow Movement: Slow, controlled exercises deepen awareness and retrain patterns. Slow it down!

    Final Thoughts

    Pilates and somatic movement are not just physical practices — they are neurological training systems. By harnessing neuroplasticity, practitioners can rewire movement patterns, reduce pain, and cultivate resilience.

    For wellness educators, integrating these principles into classes offers clients a holistic path to healing: body, brain, and nervous system working in harmony.

    Try some short classes and step into an oasis of calm!

    I offer training in Pilates, somatic movement and myofascial release for teachers and practitioners. If you would like to learn more, click on the links in the Services page.

    #pilates #neuroplasticity #somatichealing #cognitivehealth #painrelief #stressrelief

  • The Mental Health Benefits of Somatic Movement: Reclaiming Calm Through Pilates and Somatic Movement

    In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, mental health challenges are more prevalent than ever. Anxiety, stress, burnout and emotional fatigue have become common experiences for people across all walks of life. While traditional therapies and medications play a vital role, many are turning to holistic, movement-based practices to support their emotional well-being. One such powerful approach is somatic movement, especially when integrated with Pilates principles.

    Somatic movement is more than just exercise—it’s a way of reconnecting with your body, calming your nervous system and cultivating emotional resilience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science and soul behind somatic movement, its mental health benefits, and how Pilates and somatic practices can help you feel more grounded, present and empowered.

    What Is Somatic Movement?

    The term somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body in its wholeness.” Somatic movement refers to any physical activity that emphasises internal awareness—how your body feels, moves and responds—rather than external performance or aesthetics.

    Unlike conventional workouts that focus on reps, sets or calorie burn, somatic movement invites you to slow down, tune in and move with intention. It’s about sensing, not striving. This approach is deeply therapeutic, especially for those recovering from trauma, chronic stress or disconnection from their bodies.

    Key characteristics of somatic movement include:

    • Mindful attention to breath, sensation and alignment
    • Slow, deliberate motion to release tension
    • Emphasis on internal experience over external form
    • Integration of nervous system regulation and emotional awareness

    Why Somatic Movement Supports Mental Health

    Somatic movement works on multiple levels—neurological, emotional and psychological. Here’s how it supports mental health:

    1. Regulates the Nervous System

    Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight), leading to anxiety, insomnia and emotional dysregulation. Somatic movement stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest), helping the body return to a state of calm.

    Somatic-based Pilates practices, with their focus on breath, spinal alignment and core control, are especially effective at downregulating stress responses.

    2. Releases Stored Tension and Trauma

    Trauma isn’t just psychological—it’s physiological. It lives in the body as muscle tightness, restricted breath and movement avoidance. Somatic movement helps release these patterns gently, without re-triggering emotional overwhelm.

    Practices like self-myofascial release, guided meditation, and gentle Pilates flows allow the body to unwind and let go.

    3. Improves Emotional Awareness

    Somatic movement fosters interoception—the ability to sense internal bodily states. This enhances emotional literacy, helping individuals recognise and respond to feelings like sadness, anger, or joy with greater clarity.

    4. Builds Resilience and Self-Efficacy

    By reconnecting with your body and learning to move with ease, you build trust in yourself. This sense of agency is crucial for mental health, especially for those recovering from depression or anxiety.

    Pilates as a Somatic Practice

    While Pilates is often thought of as a fitness workout, associated with core strength and flexibility, its roots are deeply somatic. Joseph Pilates emphasised breath, control, concentration and flow—all key elements of mindful movement.

    Somatic-style Pilates blends classical Pilates exercises with somatic principles, creating a therapeutic experience that supports both physical and emotional healing.

    Benefits of Somatic Pilates for Mental Health:

    • Mind-body integration: Enhances awareness and presence
    • Gentle strength building: Supports posture and confidence
    • Breathwork: Calms the mind and improves focus
    • Flow and rhythm: Encourages emotional regulation
    • Creative sequencing: Keeps movement engaging and joyful

    Who Can Benefit from Somatic Movement?

    Somatic movement is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or background. It’s especially beneficial for:

    • Individuals with chronic stress or anxiety
    • Those recovering from trauma or PTSD
    • People with depression or emotional numbness
    • Clients with chronic pain or movement restrictions
    • Anyone seeking gentle, mindful exercise

    Somatic Movement in Practice: What It Looks Like

    A typical somatic movement session might include:

    • Centering breathwork to settle the nervous system
    • Slow spinal articulation to release tension
    • Pelvic tilts and hip mobility for grounding
    • Gentle core activation to build stability
    • Self-myofascial release using props like balls or foam rollers
    • Guided meditation or body scan to integrate the experience

    In a Pilates-based somatic class, these elements are woven into short, accessible sequences that prioritise feeling over form.

    The Science Behind Somatic Movement and Mental Health

    Recent studies support the efficacy of somatic movement for emotional well-being:

    • Interoceptive awareness has been linked to improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety.
    • Mindful movement practices, including Pilates and yoga, have shown positive effects on depression, PTSD and chronic pain.
    • Somatic therapies are increasingly used in trauma recovery, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and process emotions safely.

    Integrating Somatic Movement Into Your Life

    You don’t need a full hour or fancy equipment to benefit from somatic movement. Even 10–20 minute sessions, like those in my Express Pilates course or an exercise or two from my Somatic Movement course, can create meaningful shifts in mood and energy.

    Tips for Getting Started:

    • Start small: Choose one or two movements and focus on sensation.
    • Use breath as your anchor: Inhale to expand, exhale to release.
    • Stay curious: Notice how your body responds without judgment.
    • Create a calming space: Dim lights, soft music and a mat are enough.
    • Practice regularly: Consistency builds resilience and awareness.

    Final Thoughts: Movement as Medicine

    Somatic movement reminds us that healing doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from doing less, with more intention. In a world that values hustle and performance, Pilates-based somatic practices offer a sanctuary of slowness, presence and self-compassion.

    Whether you’re a wellness professional, a busy parent or someone navigating emotional challenges, somatic movement can help you reconnect with your body, regulate your emotions, and reclaim your calm.

    “Change happens through movement and movement heals.” Joseph Pilates

    If you want to try these amazing movement therapies for yourself, checkout Services or Sale

  • The Benefits of Self-Myofascial Release

    Unlock Mobility, Ease Pain & Tension, Boost Performance

    Self-myofascial release of plantar fascia

    I created my new course: Freedom of Motion: Fascia & Self-Myofascial Essentials following great success in dealing with my own chronic injuries.  It really has been a revelation.  In today’s fast-paced world, many of us experience muscle tightness, aches, injuries, chronic pain and a limited range of motion, whether we’re athletes, office workers  or simply juggling the demands of daily life.  Self-myofascial release (SMR) is becoming an increasingly popular technique for managing these issues and when woven into a class that also included restorative breathing techniques, we can restore mental and emotional wellbeing too. 

    But what exactly is SMR and why are so many people singing its praises?  In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of self-myofascial release and why it might be worth incorporating into your wellbeing routine or if you’re a movement professional, integrating it into sessions.

    What is Self-Myofascial Release?

    Self-myofascial release is a form of self-massage that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the connective tissue that surrounds and permeates your muscles — known as fascia.  Typically, people use foam rollers or massage balls to target areas of tightness or discomfort.  The goal is to release tension, improve tissue quality and promote better movement.

    The Top Benefits of Self-Myofascial Release

    1. Reduces Muscle Soreness and Tension

    One of the most immediate benefits of SMR is relief from sore, tight muscles.  By rolling out knots and trigger points, you can alleviate discomfort following exercise or long periods of inactivity.  This can help you recover faster from workouts or simply feel more at ease throughout the day.

    2. Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion

    Regularly practising self-myofascial release can help lengthen muscles and fascia, enabling you to move more freely.  Whether you’re aiming to touch your toes or simply reach for something on a high shelf, improved mobility makes daily activities and movement easier and safer.

    3. Enhances Athletic Performance

    For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, SMR can be a game-changer.  By releasing tightness and improving tissue quality, you can move more efficiently and with better alignment.  This not only helps prevent injury but can also boost overall performance, whether you’re running, lifting or playing sport.

    4. Aids in Injury Prevention

    Tight or restricted fascia can contribute to muscle imbalances and poor movement patterns and increase the risk of strains or sprains.  By keeping the connective tissue supple, self-myofascial release helps maintain proper biomechanics, reducing the likelihood of injury during physical activity.

    5. Supports Relaxation and Stress Relief

    Beyond the physical benefits, SMR can be a deeply relaxing practice.  The slow, mindful pressure encourages your body to activate its parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode — helping to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm.

    Self-myofascial release is a simple, accessible technique that offers a wealth of benefits, from easing muscle soreness to improving flexibility and supporting overall wellbeing.  Whether you’re a movement professional looking for effective tools to help your clients or just want to feel more comfortable in your own body, SMR is a valuable addition to anyone’s self-care routine.

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing: the Cornerstone of Every Pilates Class

    Nothing else will make sense unless you start here

    One of the assignments for the assessed Certification is to teach the Fundamentals, the foundations of Pilates: neutral position, core activation and thoracic breathing.  So many students start with thoracic breathing, but clients will struggle to understand this if they aren’t breathing deeply (or normally?) first.  They will struggle to understand what the core muscles are and where they are.  They will struggle to engage them effectively.

    I say “normally” because this is the way we should all be breathing as we go about our daily business, so let’s start with a definition and method:

    What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?

    Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as abdominal or deep breathing, is a technique that involves the diaphragm pressing down onto the abdominal organs as it flattens out when it contracts.  It is the primary muscle responsible for the mechanics of breathing, located at the base of the lungs which divides the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.  Diaphragmatic breathing encourages fuller oxygen exchange by expanding the thoracic cavity on inhalation, creating a vacuum that pulls air into the lungs.  As the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape, aided by the natural  contraction of the core muscles, air is pushed from the lungs.  

    Immediately, you can see how the core muscles respond naturally when we breathe efficiently, without us having to think about making it happen.  We are left in no doubt where they are or how to activate them on the exhalation.  It’s a small step to holding the core engagement whilst inhaling as well as exhaling and clients will observe that now, rather than the abdomen expanding to make space for the diaphragm, the ribs expand: thoracic breathing!

    How to Practise Diaphragmatic Breathing

    1. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
    2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
    3. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as the diaphragm contracts and draws air into your lungs. Your chest should remain relatively still.
    4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall as you expel the air.
    5. Repeat this process for several breaths, focusing on the movement of your abdomen and contraction of the core on the exhale.
    6. Notice also the natural movement of the spine – albeit subtle – from extension as you inhale to flexion as you exhale, essential for efficient breathing.

    Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

    • Reduces stress and anxiety: Deep, focused breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm.  The first principle of Pilates is “Relaxation”.
    • Improves oxygen exchange: By fully engaging the diaphragm, more oxygen reaches the bloodstream, which enhances overall health and energy levels.
    • Lowers heart rate and blood pressure: Regular diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.
    • Enhances concentration and focus: The mindful aspect of the technique can improve mental clarity and alertness.
    • Supports respiratory function: It can increase lung efficiency and is often used in pulmonary rehabilitation and by those with breathing difficulties.
    • Relieves muscle tension: Engaging the diaphragm and promoting relaxation can help ease muscle tightness, especially in the shoulders and neck.
    • Improves posture: Practising diaphragmatic breathing encourages better posture by activating core muscles and reducing reliance on chest and shoulder muscles for breathing.

    Starting each class with diaphragmatic breathing will lead to a better understanding of Pilates Fundamentals and a greater ease and efficiency of use.  It can help focus the mind at the beginning of every class and lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental well-being.   A great way to finish a class, too.

  • Teaching Tips:

    How you and your Client can get the Most out of every class

    For the first 15 years of my career in the fitness industry, I taught high energy, highly choreographed classes to music – aerobics and Step mainly.  I did it all – every step, hop and jump – all 25 classes some weeks!  I was fit and loved every minute of it.  If I stopped, they stopped, so we did it all together.

    The first thing I noticed on day one of my first Pilates teacher training course back in 2000 was that the teacher didn’t do any of the exercises!  Each training day began with a Pilates class and she didn’t do one exercise.  Yet she managed to get us all safely through a number of very enjoyable sessions. 

    The most common scenario, however, in many leisure centres and clubs is the teacher lying down at the front of the class, doing the exercises with the clients who are constantly stopping, lifting their heads or even sitting up to see what’s going on.  Not ideal in a mind/body somatic type class that is essentially about posture, concentration, co-ordination, flow, precision, etc.

    It’s a subject that comes up often and something I see all the time in my student assessments for Certification.  It’s something I used to do myself which left me with a deep sense of loss of control and frustration.  I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible instructors from around the world in some exclusive studios with discerning clients and I’ve learned a lot.  I wanted to share a few insights that have helped me through my many years of teaching and kept me here for 40 years.

    1. What is your role as a teacher?  To help your clients learn, understand and practice Pilates safely and effectively.  We were always told: “If you want a workout, go to a class.”  Through a combination of demonstration (keep it brief – just one thing to get them started), verbal/physical cues and adjustments, together with relevant information whilst observing the class, you will spend most of your time on your feet (except for beginner classes).
    2. Understand what you are teaching: there is a massive difference between fitness classes that are heavily choreographed, high energy with loud music.  The cues are less on technique and more on direction.  You need to be doing otherwise it soon deteriorates into total chaos!  But they can see you all the time unlike in a Pilates class. 
    3. Pilates is a mind/body form of exercise: you want them feeling it and “going inside” rather than trying to rely on seeing what you are doing.  They can’t see you easily anyway for most of the exercises as they are supine or prone.  You can’t see them if you’re lying down.  If you need to demonstrate something new, try to plan it to follow a seated or side-lying exercise and put yourself in front of them.  Or demo at some point during the warmup when they are busy doing something simple.  Keep it brief.
    4. Separate the beginners from the rest:  sometimes easier said than done if you are working for a leisure centre of similar, but the classes will be more satisfactory for all concerned.
    5. Arrive early:  if you have no control over who comes to which class, you can at least avoid surprises!  Briefly welcome the regulars and position the beginners for easy access.  Maybe at least give them a quick tour of neutral and thoracic breathing before class.  Always teach these fundamentals in every class.
    6. Kiss:  Keep It Super Simple – in mixed classes, start with a modification that everyone is likely to understand and move the more advanced on once everyone is moving.  Don’t try to cram too much into the class either – technique over reps and content.
    7. Sharpen up your verbal cues, vocabulary and use visuals:  they are more likely to do the exercise correctly if the language is clear and descriptive.
    8. Try not to count all the way through:  maybe just “last 2” or similar so that they can gauge whether to rest or see it through.  There are so many interesting things to say – muscles, benefits, principles, technique, etc.  Once you start to really see what’s in front of you, you will know when they’ve done enough!
    9. Avoid over-correcting:  It can be demoralising for “the one” who seems to always struggle with the same thing.  When you do correct, do it in a positive way.  Say what they are doing well and use positive reinforcement.  It’s very motivating to be told that you’re doing a great job.  Also, in larger groups, priortise safety, correcting those who are in danger of hurting themselves.  Obviously in a large group you won’t get to everyone but if you don’t get to someone, try to do so the following session.  Stay on at the end and help “the one” understand the exercise – we all learn in different ways and sometimes, we just don’t hear or feel it for a while.
    10. Plan: there’s nothing like being prepared.

    Conclusion

    Unless you are teaching Pilates as a side hustle, you need to teach a lot of classes a week to make a living.  It just wouldn’t be sustainable (or healthy) to do the whole class (or even half of it) every time.  Standing in front of a group of people can be daunting, especially in the early days of teaching; both you and your clients may feel self-conscious at first – you, because of all eyes on you and eye contact; they, due to the personal attention they are getting – but you will all get used to it and come to enjoy it.  They will learn to really value and appreciate your attention to detail and to them and you will find that engaging fully with your clients makes the whole experience so much more rewarding.  The more you practice, the more familiar it will become, and your confidence will grow, as will your reputation as an expert instructor.

    #pilates #pilatesteacher #pilatesteachertraining

  • Teaching Pilates – Effective Cues

    teacher explaining people fitness exercises to balance the body

    I had a great question from one of my students recently (thank you if you are reading this), wanting to know what the most useful cues are when teaching Pilates.  Constantly reminding clients to breathe – preferably using the thoracic breathing technique – and engage the core are useful, but any cue that helps a client perform the exercise well and safely is essential.  This will vary from exercise to exercise, client to client, so there isn’t really a list of the top ten.  Yes, of course: there will be some cues that we reel off ad nauseum that aren’t really aimed at anyone in particular in the class.  They are just general reminders in case our clients’ minds have wandered to a parallel universe.

    So what makes a cue useful?  At the most fundamental level, a cue offers basic instructions: name of the exercise, body position, initial movement, direction of traffic.  For example, for the Roll Up, it could sound something like this:

    “Roll Up, seated facing me knees bent, as you exhale engage the core and tilt the pelvis.”

    In 5 seconds, they have a good idea of where this is heading.  From there, the execution cues will continue to progress the exercise, modify or help the client perform the exercise with good technique to enable them to perform safely and effectively. 

    And you can’t do that unless you can see your clients.  Back in my Jane Fonda inspired halcyon days as an aerobics instructor, if I stopped, the whole class stopped.  But we were on our feet, I was visible the whole time.  That is not the case in a Pilates class.  With the exception of those very few exercises where the clients are seated or side-facing, they can’t see you at all.  They rely on the cues you give them.  But you cannot give effective cues if you can’t see them and you can’t see them when you are lying down, doing the exercises with them.  And anyway, they can’t see you without losing alignment. 

    So if you aren’t already on your feet, observing, correcting and adjusting, the time has come.  You will never be short of an effective cue again.

  • Working with Common Health Conditions & Injuries

    Many of us teaching Pilates, yoga and fitness classes rarely have the luxury of choice or control when it comes to those attending our sessions. In an ideal world, we would have separate classes or courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced clients, but if we work for studios and leisure centres, it’s about filling the class. For those of us who are self-employed, we often serve the local community and therefore don’t have the client pool to offer too much diversity in terms of levels.

    This conundrum is further magnified when we consider special populations – for example, pre/postnatal and seniors – as well as being able to safely accommodate those with injuries and health conditions. How often have you attended a class where the teacher asks if anyone has any issues and upon hearing that yes, osteoporosis, they have advised the client to “take it easy, stop if there’s any pain”. Good advice, but not very specific or safe.

    As instructors, we have a duty of care to our clients to understand the most common health conditions and injuries if we are to accept those suffering with them to attend our classes. If we want to go the extra mile – and we should – we need to know which exercises are suitable, which aren’t and how we can adapt them.

    With this knowledge, not only can we keep ourselves and our clients safe, but we can actively improve their quality of life by helping them to recover or manage their issue. It also opens up a new avenue of opportunity as this will widen our client base and give us the expertise to work with other healthcare professionals and therapists.

    My new course, Orthopaedics: Pilates Adaptations for Common Conditions & Injuries is now available, leading to a Clinical Pilates CPD Certificate. The knowledge you will gain will give you and your clients the confidence to work together and make a real difference.

    SALE!

    #pilates #PilatesInstructor #CPDtraining #Orthopaedics #injuries #arthritis #osteoporosis #meniscusinjury #ligamentinjury #backpain