We did a badass 8-week Pilates course and here’s why EVERY workplace needs to try it!

Louise Carroll

Ever feel in need of a MASSIVE stretch? Us too!

But as we’re all too aware, it can be insanely difficult to fit in our workouts and stretches while we spend most of our day in the office, having to sit down. The time we spend commuting certainly doesn’t help matters either.

So, let’s propose a little something that has helped us HUGELY here at Her. Bring pilates (one of the greatest workouts that helps us achieve spinal mobility AND boost our strength) to YOU. Yep, tell your employer about all the perks and get moving those limbs in work.

We knew we were feeling mighty good after each session, so to understand why, we had a little chat with our very own pilates pro, Helen Madigan, from Body Precision Pilates. For the last eight weeks, she has been showing us the ropes, becoming our ultimate Pilates master.

Helen says;

“Pilates improves flexibility. People often say to me, ‘I’m not flexible, I can’t do Pilates. That is one of the best reasons to start Pilates. When your muscles are tight, your body’s range of movement is reduced. Pilates focuses on movement while stretching, thereby increasing mobility, helping exercise performance and preventing injury.”

And we can assure you, it improves energy too! You sit up straighter, you feel stronger and a whole lot more ready to take on the day.

It improves bone density (yep!), muscular endurance (don’t be fooled – it’s tough), builds a super strong core, works on our back muscles and pelvic floor (comes in handy ladies), AND a whole new awareness of your body. Helen says;

“The Pilates breathe (lateral thoracic breathe) has been shown to reduce stress so you’ll feel mentally and physically stronger. And as with all exercise, it releases endorphins which enhance our mood.”

This even triggers a relaxation response in our brain. (Yes please.)

Pilates is not easy. But with an expert instructor like Helen, each and every move will feel good and worthwhile, even though at times we admit, it will be far from easy. Besides the physical side of it, it’s amazing for clearing your head of too many thoughts (WE HAVE TOO MANY) as it requires all your concentration and focus. Helen says;

“My goal when teaching is to really engage my clients. Helping them to understand why we’re doing each movement, the benefit of each movement and the muscle groups involved. It means explaining each movement along the way with clear and concise communication and taking a hands-on approach to correction where necessary.”

Believe us you’ll feel so relieved, calm, stronger and more supple after. Forget about your fitness level, concentrate on your form first and take it from there. And if there are any injuries or pregnancies – Helen is more than happy to show you alternative moves throughout the class.

So it’s pretty obvious that Pilates is terrific for us, but what about that employer of yours?

Be sure to mention that with better health comes greater staff morale and engagement, a feel-good attitude, greater productivity and much less risk of illness. After all, when you take care of your employees, they take care of your business. So, it’s in every employers interest to ensure employees get moving and keep healthy and happy.

Prepare to feel fabulous everyone and be sure to get everyone in the office on board.

Brought to you by Body Precision Pilates.

Specialised in bringing the benefits of pilates to your office door, Body Precision Pilates provides for for companies and businesses, with classes catered to your workplace needs in the morning, afternoon or evening. Make sure your most valuable assets – your employees – are feeling their absolute best.