The advice out there can be confusing as to whether or not to exercise during the Coronavirus and how much. There is a popular misconception that exercise can actually depress the immune system however, the evidence supports that it’s important for us to move and exercise, as James Turner and John P Campbell, both professors at the University of Bath, write in their article arguing for regular exercise Conversation based on their own 2018 review about exercise and immunity.
Staying fit, healthy by exercising, eating well and sleeping well is going to have many benefits through this situation and beyond.
Of course, it would make sense that getting stuck into intense exercise when you are not used to it could be detrimental - “It is fair to say that a large increase in exercise intensity and/or duration, especially in people new to exercise, might have transient negative effects on the immune system,” says Jeffrey Woods, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, who studies exercise and immunity, that isn’t going to be the case for most of us keeping up some level of health and fitness at home and most people will be sensible.
Therefore - kind of logically - too much exercise, and certainly starting from nothing, a new and rigorous regime is not a great idea and can put too much pressure on the body, making it more vulnerable (at a vulnerable time) than making it stronger. But equally, no or minimal movement at home, staying sedentary and is not good for us either and can have a depressing affect on the mind as well as the body. A study a Harvard medical review suggest that movement, like Pilates, is really good for our mental health.. Result!
Pilates is simply a perfect practice to keep you strong, flexible, mobile, with tone, balanced and with coordination… and sane.
For me exercise, in particular Pilates, is a must and essential to my physical and emotional wellbeing. Always.
Me, I like my Pilates to get my heart rate going a little - not so much we are a drenched in sweat and stressed, pushing ourselves to the limit at the expense of proper technique - but so we do get blood flowing, glowing and raising endorphins, getting the most out of each exquisite Pilates movement and all the benefits.. Deliberately dynamic, if you will.
Pilates makes us feel so good by focusing our attention on deliberate movement and honing our concentration, combined with breathing correctly and re-oxygenating the blood, this can be incredibly calming and reducing the detrimental effects of stress and anxiety. The muscles get a workout but so does the nervous system and the immune system.
Pilates dynamic and energetic - definitely not boring and or the easy option, but not so rigorous as to cause stress to the body.
You will feel you worked the next day but will be able to walk… hopefully.
If you feel like a class with me book here
Below is an example of how I like move through some Pilates abdominal exercises - getting technique correct, while getting a the circulation going and making the most out of the movement in the muscles and in the internal systems (circulatory, respiratory, nervous, for example..)
It’s good for the body inside and out.. what’s there not to love..
Thank you and see you soon for the next in the series..
In health and happiness and more health
Laura X
