How to Build a Holiday Mind-Body Routine with Pilates
Let’s face it: while the holidays are a time for joy and connection, they can also bring their fair share of stress. The endless to-do lists, family obligations, and the pressure to create a "perfect" holiday can leave us feeling overwhelmed. This is where Pilates becomes your secret weapon. More than just a workout, Pilates helps you reconnect with your breath, center your mind, and strengthen your body, giving you the resilience to navigate the holiday hustle with grace and ease. Take a moment for yourself—you deserve it.
Let’s talk about how to build a holiday mind-body routine using Pilates to help you stay calm, centered, and energized through it all.
1. Set an Intention
Before you even step onto your mat, take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you need today? More energy? Stress relief? A little time to reset? Set a simple intention for your practice—it could be something like, "I’m going to focus on my breath and stay present" or "I’m here to release tension and relax."
Starting with intention helps you stay focused, especially when everything else feels chaotic.
2. Use Your Breath to Stay Grounded
In Pilates, breathing isn’t just a habit—it’s part of the workout. Deep, mindful breathing helps reduce stress and helps you stay connected to your body. During the holidays, when stress creeps in, your breath can be your anchor.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try this: Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your ribcage, and exhale fully through your mouth, pulling your belly button toward your spine. Sync your breath with your movements to keep yourself grounded.
3. Stay Present in Your Body
Pilates teaches you to align your body with purpose. Whether you’re doing a Pelvic Curl or Plank, the goal is to move with control, focusing on each muscle and breath. By paying attention to your alignment, you automatically shift your focus away from the chaos around you.
Try this: In every exercise, engage your core, lengthen your spine, and make sure your body feels balanced. This simple act of focusing on your posture can keep your mind clear and your stress levels lower.
4. Release Tension
Holidays can be physically demanding, especially on your back, neck, and shoulders. Pilates is great for releasing tension and helping your body feel lighter. Movements like Cat-Cow and Bridges are perfect for releasing tightness and soothing sore muscles.
Try these:
- Cat-Cow – Start on all fours and alternate between arching and rounding your back.
- Bridges – Lie on your back and lift your hips, squeezing your glutes to release tension in your lower back.
These movements don’t take long but can help you feel way more relaxed and less stressed.
5. Quality Over Quantity
One of the best things about Pilates is that it’s all about controlled, mindful movement. During the holidays, take your time with each exercise. Don’t rush through your practice—slow, deliberate movements help you stay focused and calm.
Instead of thinking about how many reps you’ve done, think about how your body feels as you move. Focus on how your muscles engage, and pay attention to your breath. The slower you move, the more you’ll stay present and connected to your body.
6. Rest When You Need It
We’re all busy, but rest is just as important as movement. Pilates teaches you to listen to your body, so if you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, take a break. Even 5 minutes of Child’s Pose or a few minutes lying on your back with your legs up the wall can help restore energy and calm your nervous system.
Rest doesn’t mean you’re slacking off—it means you’re giving your body the time it needs to recharge.
Stay Balanced Through the Holidays
This holiday season, don’t let the chaos off-balance you. By integrating Pilates into your routine—focusing on intention, breath, alignment, and rest—you can stay centered, relaxed, and strong. The holidays are busy, but with a mindful Pilates practice, you’ll feel more in control and more present.
If you’re looking for some help to centre yourself, why not try out our Meditations and Soft & Gentle category in the studio.
So take a moment for yourself. Roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and enjoy the benefits of Pilates. Your mind and body will thank you.
Happy Holidays!