Reflections on Mindful Mat Pilates Training

Last month, I completed a Mindful Mat Pilates Teacher Training with my teacher Shieri Yamafuji.

As I reflect on it, I realized how much Pilates has supported me through burnot and injury recovery.

🧡 Pilates helped me rebuild strength after fear-avoidance

I realized that I was avoiding activities and exercise out of fear of exacerbating chronic pain which inevitably led to more pain.

Doing a strength-based practice like Pilates helped me feel safer compared to run-of-the mill Yoga classes where I was more likely to push my end ranges, resulting in pain flares.

🧡 Pilates helped me reconnect with my body

After many years of pain, it was nearly impossible for me to relax or stay relaxed.

I developed Central Sensitization, a condition in which the Central Nervous System undergoes changes that alter its processing of pain and other sensory stimuli.

I deeply missed the release from exercise and muscular engagement. I felt locked out of regular life, classes, all of it.After training to teach Mindful Pilates, I started to feel more in my body. It was a relief to find another method of regulating myself.

🧡 Pilates is accessible, particularly for rehab & injury

After being in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for over a year, I was having a hard time building back exercise into my life.

I found Mindful Pilates to be super supportive for my chronic pelvic issues, managing pain, and maintaining the foundation I built in Pelvic Floor PT.

Mindful Pilates helps me be present, precise, and connected to my breath. I can’t cheat or check out because the pace is moderate, and I stay in alignment. I feel grounded.

🧡 I want to share this with you

Typically, Pilates classes are faster-paced and more focused on getting a snatched waist, making it challenging to engage the correct muscles and to stay in alignment.

I know just how hard it can feel to lose strength, to want to get stronger, all while managing a chronic condition.

It can be tricky to find Pilates that isn’t centered around an intense workout for able-bodied folx.

Training in Mindful Pilates opened the door for me to practice in an accessible way, and I am so excited to share it with you!