WRITTEN BY WOODSIDE PILATES STUDIO MANAGER, HEATHER DILLMAN
PILATES FOR STRESS RELIEF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is a magical time—but let’s be real, it can be stressful. Between endless to-do lists, social events and all those festive family gatherings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Pilates comes in—a little oasis of calm amid the holiday hustle.
WHAT IS PILATES, ANYWAY?
If you’re new to Pilates, let’s start with the basics. Pilates is a movement method designed to strengthen your core, improve flexibility and align your body through controlled, intentional exercises. But it’s not just about physical strength—it’s also a powerful tool for calming the mind. I know this to be true for myself but have heard time and time again from my clients, that they feel more grounded and present after their sessions. Think of it as a workout for both your body and your mind.
PILATES AS A STRESS-RELIEF TOOL
In Pilates, there’s no room for multi-tasking. Every movement is intentional, every breath has a purpose and every exercise requires your full presence. This mindful approach not only strengthens and aligns your body but also clears your mind of clutter—a perfect antidote to holiday overwhelm.
Gentle Yet Effective Movement: Whether you’ve been sitting too long wrapping gifts or rushing from one event to the next, Pilates offers relief through low-impact, tension-releasing exercises.
Mindful Breathing: Deep, controlled breaths are an integral part of Pilates. This not only powers your movements but also calms your nervous system and keeps you in the present moment, helping you stay grounded during the holiday whirlwind.
A Moment for Yourself: Life gets a little more demanding this time of year and it is easy to put your own needs last. However, prioritizing your well-being is essential. Taking even 30 minutes for a Pilates session is like gifting yourself some peace. It’s a chance to press pause and refocus your energy back to the internal rather than the external, so you have the capacity to fully enjoy the season.
Body Awareness: Pilates teaches you to move with precision and control, focusing on alignment and posture. This heightened awareness helps you notice areas of tightness so you can release physical tension—like the tightness in your neck from staring at a screen, the stiffness in your back after hours of holiday prep and can even do wonders for achy feet after standing all day.
TRY THESE SIMPLE MOVES AT HOME
The Roll Down: Stand tall with your back against a wall, then slowly roll down one vertebra at a time, letting your arms hang toward the floor. Draw some ‘lazy circles’ with your arms. Relax your face and jaw, breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your back and hamstrings. Roll back up feeling your spine reconnect to the wall one bone at a time.
Spine Stretch Forward: On your mat, sit tall with your legs straight and open wider than your hips (a soft bend in the knees is okay), then reach your arms forward. Exhale as you round your spine, and pull your waistline back, stretching forward as if over a beach ball. Inhale to stack your spine one vertebra at a time.
Shoulder Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width distance apart, arms lengthened along your sides. Exhale as you lift your pelvis, then your spine one vertebra at a time, into a bridge. Inhale at the top, then exhale to roll down slowly, focusing on articulation of the spine.
The Hundred: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your head, neck and shoulders, bringing your arms straight alongside your body. Raise your legs to tabletop position or extend them at a 45-degree angle for more challenge. Pump your arms up and down while inhaling for 5 counts and exhaling for 5 counts. Continue for 10 breaths (100 counts).
A SANCTUARY FROM THE HOLIDAY RUSH
Although I work daily in a Pilates Studio, I still crave being a student in a group class environment. Turning off my overthinking brain and having an Instructor guide me through a session is a necessity for me, especially when I am feeling tense. Also, group energy is motivating! While a quick home routine is great and I encourage it, nothing beats being in the Pilates Studio. At Woodside, we offer small group sessions of up to 6 people and private sessions that can help you stay centered through the holiday season—and beyond.
Our experienced Instructors provide personalized support to help you deepen your connection to your body and achieve a greater sense of balance, ensuring you leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever the holidays throw at you.
Cheers to a peaceful holiday season—happy holidays and happy practicing!
Our team of Pilates Instructors can help you create a plan for adding Pilates to your fitness routine. To learn more click here or email us.
