Why Pilates is Your Secret Weapon for Beating Period Pain

Research and experience consistently demonstrate that low-impact exercises like Pilates have a profoundly positive effect on overall health and well-being, including the alleviation of period pain. A key focus in Pilates is breathing.

“Breath is your best friend during your period.”

At first, it might feel like your stomach can’t stretch any further, but by consciously and deeply breathing, you activate your diaphragm, which moves up and down. This movement helps your stomach stretch, relax, and soften, ultimately relieving tension in your abdomen. Focusing on your breath not only distracts your mind from discomfort but has also been shown to improve your mood.

The Benefits of Pilates-Based Breathing

It might sound simple, but most of us tend to breathe into our upper chest and neck. The benefits of deeper, Pilates-based breathing—whether to your belly or ribs—include reducing stress and minimizing the hormonal effects that stress can have on your period.

Pilates Improves Blood Flow

One significant benefit of attending a Pilates class is improved blood flow, particularly to the pelvic floor muscles. By working these muscles, you’ll enhance blood circulation, which can help relax them. Just like any other muscle, it’s as important to relax the pelvic floor muscles as it is to strengthen them.

Pilates is a Whole-Body Workout

Pilates offers a full-body workout that releases endorphins and improves blood flow to your muscles. This can increase your metabolism and help combat the sluggishness often associated with your period.

Pilates Exercises to Ease Period Cramps

Certain Pilates exercises, such as the Mermaid (especially when combined with rotation and extension), promote blood flow to the stomach and pelvis by contracting and then lengthening the muscles. This process helps relax the abdomen. Other go-to exercises for relieving bloating and tension include Mermaid, Bridging, and Cat Stretch, both on the Allegro and the mat. On the Reformer, I always recommend Short Spine, no matter the time of the month!

The Comprehensive Health Benefits of Pilates

The next time you’re hesitant to attend a Pilates class due to period pain, remember the many health benefits Pilates offers, such as relief from cramps, reduced bloating, improved relaxation, increased concentration, less PMS, and better sleep.

Explore the Different Types of Pilates at BPS Tensegrity

At BPS Tensegrity, we offer a variety of Pilates classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients:

  • Mat Pilates: Focus on fundamental movements using your body weight, with an emphasis on core strength and stability. This is ideal for beginners and those looking to build a strong foundation.
  • Reformer Pilates: Utilize the Reformer machine to add resistance to your workout, enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. This class is perfect for those seeking a more dynamic workout.
  • Clinical Pilates: Designed for rehabilitation, these sessions are customized to address specific injuries or conditions, ensuring safe and effective movement tailored to your body’s needs.
  • Aerial Pilates: Specialised classes that use the anti gravity assistance of the aerial hammock. It is able to help to alleviate discomfort in the lumbar spine, pelvis and help prepare you for body for life against gravity.
  • Private Sessions: For a more personalized experience, our private sessions offer one-on-one instruction tailored to your individual goals and needs.

Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, BPS Tensegrity has the right class for you. Each type of Pilates offers unique benefits, and our experienced instructors are here to guide you on your journey to better health and well-being.

For a more personalised Pilates plan, book a private session with one of our instructors. This is the best way to learn and perform the movements that are right for your body, safely and effectively.