Over the years, more and more people have been suffering from stiff muscles. A common cause is the lack of movement. The reason for this is that office jobs have become more prevalent, changing our sitting behavior. Another important reason is stress; muscle tension can lead to stiffness. But how do you counteract this stiffness? In this article, I explain how Pilates benefits in alleviating stiff muscles.
How Pilates can help with prolonged sitting
In recent years, we have been sitting more and more. From about eight hours a day, we have increased to nine hours a day. Research has shown that sitting for more than four hours a day can be detrimental to health. It is often said that sitting is the new smoking. Additionally, a lack of movement causes stiff muscles. Now you might be thinking: I have an office job, how on earth do I counteract this?
Combatting sitting with movement
It is good to alternate sitting with standing. Just standing up briefly to do something small, like grabbing a drink, can help. Moreover, Pilates can effectively help against stiff muscles. In Pilates, you perform exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and improving the flexibility of your joints. Through controlled exercises, you experience what happens in your body and gradually seek out resistance. This way, you strengthen and loosen your entire body evenly. Additionally, Pilates improves your posture and helps to relieve or prevent back and neck pain.
Reducing stress with pilates
In life, we could experience a lot of stress. Our schedules are packed with various appointments, and especially if you also have to care for children, there is little time to do something for yourself. For parents, it is advisable to really make that time for yourself. It is fantastic if, in an hour, you can strengthen your body and also come home relaxed. You are in luck, Pilates offers this combination. Pilates focuses heavily on breathing. While performing the exercises, the emphasis is on breathing continuously. During sports, people often tend to hold their breath. The advantage of Pilates is that the exercises are performed smoothly and accurately. This means that the exercises are done calmly, giving you the opportunity to use your breath well. Proper breathing helps your body relax. You will go home with a lot of endorphins!
As you can see, Pilates has many benefits for people working at a desk, as well as for parents who are busy with their jobs and children. It is highly recommended to practice Pilates once aweek to keep your body and mind healthy. Are you reading this and thinking this is what you need? I am here to tell you more about what Pilates can mean for you. We will create a plan together that fits your situation and sport goals.