Digestive problems mightn’t be the most glamorous talking point, but they are part of the daily grind for many women. In fact, new research by Ski Activ found that up to 91% of Australian women experience problems such as bloating, diarrhea and cramping at least once a month, and 55% experience these problems on a weekly basis.
By Michelle Balogh
But what can you do to beat a bad gut? Your first instinct might be to turn to the medicine cabinet, or to try the latest diet trend, but we have an even better solution – Pilates.
Over the last decade Pilates has become the in-style exercise. We love the way this core-strengthening method works our abdomens and leaves us super-toned and limber. But there are many lesser known health benefits of Pilates.
‘The ability of Pilates movement to restore function to organs, muscles, joints and bones is not shared by drugs and surgery,’ says Sally Anderson, australian Pilates guru and leader of Pilates International. ‘The best way to gain the benefits of movement for health is in a preventative capacity. Movement is incredibly powerful in preventing disease processes, and the Pilates method offers the ultimate science-based, impact free way to move in all ranges and for all needs.’
Sounds fab, but how exactly does Pilates prevent digestive problems? We consulted Sally Anderson and discovered three great reasons to give Pilates a go.
1. Massage Those Muscles: Several Pilates exercises invoke a ‘visceral massage effect’, which assists in improving elimination – this lowers aggravational toxins and matter in the digestive system. The result? A healthier and more comfortable digestive system.
2. Stress Less: When we become anxious and worried, our digestive systems are directly impacted by those feelings. On top of that, who doesn’t like to load up on sugary treats, alcohol or coffee when stress kicks in? Those things might make us feel cosy and comforted in the moment, but they too contribute to poor digestive health. Learning to breath properly and more efficiently helps us to reduce stress, stopping digestive discomfort in its tracks.
3. Stretch out like a Swan: Pilates exercises that extend the torso, such as ‘The Swan’ exercise will lengthen your digestive tract and stimulate food processing. So get stretching! If you’ve always been too shy to talk about your disagreeable-gut, and diet changes and supplements have never seemed to work, perhaps it’s time to revamp your work out. Pilates is an extremely flexible system with exercises ranging from beginners to advanced. If you’d like something local, check out our Rescu. Health Directory for Pilates classes near you.
