Pilates can help with chronic illness. Really?

Are you serious? Another recommendation for exercise to “cure” illness and pain? Constant suggestions, ranging from yoga to home remedies, can be overwhelming. Not only does it often feel like our bodies are betraying us, but our struggles are often invisible and dismissed. Let’s be clear: exercise should not be misconstrued as a panacea for all health issues. Medical professionals should take your illness and pain seriously regardless of how much you do or don’t exercise, and provide the care you deserve. While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial, it is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.   

It's important to understand Pilates and a bit of history before considering its potential benefits. Pilates is a mind-body exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on building core strength, improving breathing function and flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. Unlike other intense forms of exercise, Pilates prioritizes controlled movements and proper alignment, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels, including those of us with chronic illness or pain. 

Living with chronic illness or experiencing persistent pain can be tough. Pilates offers a gentle yet effective approach to exercise that can help you start moving your body again-It’s one way of finding relief and regaining strength.

Let’s explore the top 6 benefits of starting Pilates, and how it can be a roadmap to feeling more empowered, brave and safe.

1. Enhancing Body Awareness: Chronic illness or pain can disconnect us from our bodies, leading to a diminished sense of feeling, control and understanding. Pilates places great emphasis on body awareness and mindful movement. By practicing Pilates, you can regain a deeper connection with your body, learning to listen to its signals and gradually rebuild trust in your physical capabilities.
2. Strengthening the Core: One of the primary focuses of Pilates is strengthening the core muscles, including the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and back muscles. Pilates connects optional breathing function to building a strong core that provides stability and support to the spine, improving posture and reducing pain caused by imbalances. By engaging in regular Pilates sessions, you can gradually strengthen your core, leading to increased stability and a decrease in painful symptoms.
3. Gentle and Low-Impact Exercise: Pilates exercises are gentle and low-impact, making them suitable for individuals with chronic illness or pain. The controlled movements and emphasis on proper alignment minimize stress on the joints, making it a safe and effective form of exercise. This low-impact nature allows you to rebuild strength and endurance without making your pain worse or risking injury.
4. Improved Flexibility: Chronic illness and pain can often result in reduced flexibility and limited range of motion. Pilates incorporates stretching exercises that target muscles throughout the body, promoting flexibility and increasing the range of motion. This improved flexibility not only aids in pain relief but also enhances overall functional movement, making daily activities easier to perform.
5. Mind-Body Connection and Stress Relief: Chronic illness and pain can be a mental and emotional rollercoaster. Pilates encourages a strong mind-body connection by focusing on breathing techniques and mindfulness during each movement. This integrated approach promotes stress reduction and relaxation, and will help you manage stress levels and better cope with challenges from chronic conditions.
6. Harnessing the Power of Breath for Nervous System Regulation: One of the key principles of Pilates is the integration of breath with movement. Breath awareness plays a vital role in accessing the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation, restoration, and optimal regulation of the body's functions. When living with chronic illness or pain, the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response, can become overactive, leading to increased stress and tension. By incorporating conscious breathing techniques during your Pilates practice, you can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calm and facilitating healing.

Keep in mind that any form of exercise, whether it's Pilates, Yoga, or HIIT, should not substitute for medical care. If medical professionals or someone in your life disregards your illness or pain, it's a form of gaslighting. Starting Pilates after living with chronic illness or pain is a proactive step toward regaining strength, improving flexibility, and reconnecting with your body—a roadmap to healing and rediscovering joy in activities you love

As with any new exercise program, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified Pilates instructor who can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.