Pilates ticks all the right boxes for employee wellness

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Employee wellness has come full circle. From a myopic view that emphasized on slimmer waistlines, to a more wholesome approach that attributes equal importance to mental health, it’s been a welcome change.

However, employers often face a conundrum while trying to design employee wellness programs that tick both these boxes. To be fair, that problem is legit, for there are only a handful of wellness initiatives that are equally good for the mind and body.

Pilates is one of them. While it started off as a celebrity fad, it is now considered as one of the most beneficial activities for your body and the brain. It’s relaxing, it boosts the mood and it has some really intense physical moves as well. If you are looking for the perfect activity to integrate into corporate wellness, this is it.

It’s a stress buster

There are two types of Pilates. There’s the standard one that’s performed on a mat and there’s Dynamic Reformer Pilates which can be considered if you have an in-office fitness center. Both of these are extremely beneficial in reducing stress. Since it’s a group activity (mostly), there’s a degree of motivation involved in it.

Most participants report an endorphin rush after a session. Picture an in-office session right in the middle of a busy work day. That should soothe frayed nerves and help reduce stress.

It’s a posture corrector

Postural problems are the bane of the modern day work culture. It is estimated that Australians sit for 10-hours every day. A bulk of this is at the workplace in front of a computer which results in postural problems. Chronic lower back pain is one of the most debilitating conditions. It has been linked with absenteeism and presenteeism, two challenges that businesses often encounter.

Pilates is a terrific low-impact physical activity that can stretch weary muscles and improve posture. Regular practice can help strengthen muscles in the hips/lower back, upper back and neck, which counters a lot of the effects of constant slouching.

In fact, it is regularly used by physiotherapists in clinical practice in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. However, sessions must be customized and get progressively better. Instructors must monitor the participants for form, progress or worsening of their symptoms, which is a distinct possibility.

Happy Melon offers in-office and in-studio Pilates sessions, guided by some of the best instructors in the country. Our employee wellness programs are flexible and can be tailored to meet the unique physical and mental health challenges of the workforce.

It’s a mind relaxant

Pilates emphasizes on deep breathing and mindfulness training, both of which have an array of proven mental health benefits. At the forefront, is an ability to improve mental focus. The deep breathing exercises help an individual gain better emotional stability, which in turn helps combat anxiety. Why, it may even contribute towards reducing the symptoms of depression.

While we are constantly surrounded by gizmos and tech, all of which demand a share of our limited attention spans, an activity like Pilates can have a profound impact on your employee wellness initiative. Happy Melon can help. Speak to them now.

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