A Pilates Perk You Never Knew You Were Getting

Do you do Pilates? Well, guess what? You’re also meditating!

Meditation has been part of my life for 15 years, and its essence is simple: focusing attention on a single point—There are many different types of practices, but the one constant is that you are taking attention away from your swirling thoughts so that you can experience more fully, being in your body in the here and now.

One definition of mediation in its simplest form is: “Meditation is the practice of turning one’s attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on our bodily sensations, or a word or phrase. In other words, meditation means pivoting away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment.”

Sound familiar?? My favorite practice has always been body-centered mediation, where you focus your attention on different parts of your body while breathing deeply into them.

One of the things you’ve most likely noticed while doing Pilates is that you simply can not think about your grocery list, your evening plans, or what you’re going to make for that potluck you have to go to tomorrow.

For that glorious hour that you’re in the Pilates studio, you have to focus so intently on what your body is doing, on those tiny muscles you never even knew you had, and on your breath, that everything else just falls away. Without even realizing it, you leave your session feeling lighter, more centered, and more grounded— almost as though you meditated for that hour— because guess what? You kinda did. Namaste.

Next time you step on the Reformer, remember: Pilates isn’t just about strengthening your body; it’s also a form of moving meditation.

— Donna Rosen, Owner and Instructor, Bolder Pilates

Experience the calming benefits of Pilates with us in our sweet studio which in itself, feels like an oasis.