Strengthen Your Core and Your Cognitive Function With Pilates!
05.26.2022
Say farewell to endless sit-ups and crunches! Strengthening your core doesn't have to be about isolated movements anymore. Instead, consider embracing a dynamic, full-body approach that not only benefits your muscles but also boosts your brain health.
According to Hayley Speight, a physical therapist assistant at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, our deepest core muscle, the Transversus Abdominis (TrA), functions like a corset brace around the spine. She emphasizes that Pilates, a mind-body exercise, not only targets the core but also stimulates brain activity
Research suggests that movement-based activities like Pilates can enhance cognitive function and promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and grow. By engaging in Pilates, you're not just strengthening your muscles; you're also giving your brain a workout.
Pilates isn't just for targeting and preventing chronic pain or recovering from injuries. Whether you're practicing rehab-focused or modern Pilates, the emphasis remains on maintaining a neutral spine. The objective, as Hayley explains, is to "retrain the core to contract in a neutral position," which fosters better brain-body coordination and connectivity.
In traditional Pilates, exercises like pelvic tilts promote functional alignment of the spine. Strengthening your core in this way enhances overall functional movement and stability, which is crucial for spinal and brain health alike.
"If you're looking to boost your core strength, enhance functional movements, or alleviate pain, Pilates is an excellent choice," says Hayley. Its low-impact nature makes it suitable for many, while its cognitive benefits make it a standout choice for brain health.
However, not all Pilates programs are created equal. Hayley advises working with a knowledgeable instructor to ensure safe and effective practice, which maximizes both physical and cognitive gains.
How do you know if you're overdoing it? Feeling back pain or noticing excessive muscle contraction in your back are red flags. According to Hayley, these indicate compensation and should prompt you to seek help or modifications from your instructor, safeguarding both your physical and cognitive well-being.
"Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain," Hayley emphasizes. "Regardless of age or fitness level, Pilates offers enjoyable exercise that benefits both your spine and brain health."
With eight years of experience at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Hayley finds joy in restoring her patients' quality of life, both physically and cognitively.
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates provides personalized physical therapy across six convenient locations in the Charlotte Metro region and surrounding areas, including Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Ballantyne, Matthews, and Rock Hill, SC, promoting not only spinal health but also cognitive vitality through movement-based therapies like Pilates
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New and current patients can call our offices to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
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