💡 Fun Fact Friday - Breath & the Nervous System

Did you know the way you breathe in Pilates can literally retrain your nervous system?

When you practise deep, controlled breathing (think: slow inhales through the nose, long exhales through the mouth), you’re activating something called your parasympathetic nervous system, that's the rest and digest response. This system calms your heart rate, lowers blood pressure and tells your body, “You're OK.” 🧠💆‍♀️

In contrast, shallow chest breathing (which we often do when stressed) switches on the sympathetic nervous system, that's the fight or flight mode. It’s great for emergencies, not so great for everyday life though.

Pilates is built around the breath. We inhale to prepare, exhale to move. Every breath in our Pilates class becomes a mini reset for your nervous system. Over time, it helps you respond to stress with a little more ease and a little less panic.

So next time you're on the mat, focus on your breath like it’s part of the workout, because it is. It's strength training for your nervous system 💛

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Breath & the Nervous System