As winter arrives, so do the darker days, chilly winds, and a natural shift to slower rhythms.
While it’s tempting to cosy up and hibernate, winter is actually a brilliant season to focus on balancing the body with both movement and holistic wellness practices.
I love that Pilates is wonderful for this. It warms up the
muscles, aids in maintaining strength and flexibility, and can lift our energy and spirits. However, the additional benefits come from the breath work, helping in stress management, and relaxation which are especially important during the winter months.
In the colder months, it’s common to feel a bit “stuck” or low on energy, and this is where mindful breath work comes in. Deep breathing doesn’t just keep the body oxygenated and warm; it also helps us release pent-up tension.
When we synchronise breath work with Pilates exercise, we improve the flow of oxygen to our muscles and become more mindful with each movement. Even a few minutes of breath work can ground us, setting a positive tone for both our Pilates practice and the rest of our day.
Shorter days, and the feeling of wanting to slow down, can give stress an opportunity to sneak up more easily during winter. This is when we can use Pilates to release tension, and when we put this together with
stress management techniques — like mindfulness or a short, calming meditation — the results can be even more powerful. Finding a moment to centre yourself before beginning your practice can help with focus, the Pilates session can then feel more like a grounding winter ritual than just another workout.
Winter is the season for hibernation, so rest and renewal is a natural feeling within the mind and body. Adding intentional relaxation to your wellness routine can help with this.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, simple additions like a gentle, restorative stretch or a guided relaxation at the end of the day can support deep restoration. Incorporating relaxation alongside Pilates helps balance the body’s exertion with calm, making it easier to enjoy both the physical and mental benefits of your practice.
By combining Pilates with holistic wellness practices, we can create a whole-body approach to movement and health that’s especially powerful in
winter. It keeps our bodies strong, our minds relaxed, and our spirits grounded, helping us feel at our best — even when the sun isn’t shining as brightly.
So this winter, think of each Pilates session as a chance to nurture yourself in more ways than one: integrating breath, relaxation, and mindfulness as you move. Embrace the slower rhythm, find warmth in movement, and enjoy the unique power of this season!
Have a good week everyone. Keep moving,
feeling, and looking good.
With love
Jane xxx
