Three scientifically proven reasons Pilates is an all inclusive ticket to your peace of mind.
1. Pilates trains your brain.
Learning new activities is a proven brain-training technique. Studies done at the University of Oxford by Heidi Johansen Berg, discovered that learning new activities increases the density of white matter in the brain (white matter is tissue in the brain composed of nerve fibers called axons, like our electrical wiring in our house the function of these white colored fibers called myelinated axons within neuron (conduit) communicate by transduction of electrical signals between the different brain regions.that let neurons communicate.) If the neurons are formed but they dont connect then eventually they die without any benefit to brain health so this white matter is extremely important. An exercise program tower can be just the right way to multitask-benefit our body and our mind at the same time. So accordinng to Ann Bishop, a Pilates instructor and researcher, learning a new movement or a new modification in Pilates routine provides just the effect we are looking for by challenging the body and mind at the same time.
2. Pilates improves your memory and makes you smarter.
Beginning in our late 20s most of us start losing about 1% of the volume of our hippocampus, a portion of the brain responsible for memory and cognitive function. our brains are literally shrinking.
For long time scientistist thought that we were born with a certain number of brain cells but recently they discovered that our brains could create new cells thus slowing down or reversing brain shrinkage. What will it mean to you? It means better memory, lower risks of Alzheimer’s disease, better learning and problem solving, a higher IQ and more,
Several recent studies have proved that exercises improves Neurogenesis – which means creation of new brain cells as well as protects existing cells by promotingin increase in B.D.N.F. production- nerve protecting compound that scientists call “MIRACLE-GRO”for the brain. The changes are mostly noticeable in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memories and learning.
Another group of researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reported in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health that people have significantly superior brain function after a mindful movement practice like Pilates or Yoga compared to aerobic exercise.
3. Deeper muscle activation means better function of the nervous system.
Every time we move we use several specific areas of our brain. The brain then sends an impulse through the spinal cord to muscle fibers (the process is more complicated than that and requires a bunch or words that my spell checker doesn’t even know.)
When you learn to voluntary engage certain muscles (like deep core activation in Pilates) you fire a movement chain that might have been asleep for a long time. Did you know that your core consists of 29 muscles and not just a six-pack? Learning to use them is a cleansing rinse for your nervous system.
A healthy nervous system means better communication between your brain and other parts of your body as well as the release of stress-fighting and mood-boosting hormones.
