The Balancing Act: Energising and Restoring Your Nervous System Through Aerial Pilates
Mar 16, 2024The Balancing Act: Energising and Restoring Your Nervous System Through Aerial Pilates
Resting and rejuvenating the nervous system, especially for Pilates teachers and aerialists is an area that I'm passionate about.
I know I'm not the only one who has worked hard to balance this throughout the years...so I thought I'd write a wee blog about this...
I thought talking about the significance of resting and rejuvenating the nervous system, especially for Pilates teachers and aerialists, would be a wonderful idea. For me and hopefully for YOU!
So here goes...
I'd love to hear if it resonates with you?
As movement professionals
{Aerialists or Pilates teachers I'm looking at you & me!}
We often push our bodies to the limit, making it crucial to understand how to balance high-energy activities with restorative practices. Aerial Pilates, an innovative blend of Pilates principles and aerial arts, offers unique benefits for both energising and rejuvenating the nervous system.
The Balancing Act: Energising and Restoring Your Nervous System Through Aerial Pilates
In the world of Pilates and aerial arts, the focus is often on strength, flexibility, and control. However, an equally important aspect of being a successful practitioner or teacher in these disciplines is understanding how to care for your nervous system. Aerial Pilates, a dynamic fusion of air-bound positions and Pilates exercises, not only challenges the body in new and exciting ways but also offers a unique avenue for both stimulating and soothing the nervous system.
Energising the Nervous System with Aerial Pilates
1. Enhanced Proprioception
Engaging in Aerial Pilates requires a heightened awareness of your body in space, known as proprioception. This sensory stimulation is invigorating for the nervous system, enhancing neural connections and improving overall mind body connections and function.
2. Boost in Endorphin Levels
The novelty and challenge of doing Pilates exercises in the air can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. This boost can help reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling energised and uplifted!
3. Improved Circulation
Aerial Pilates promotes increased blood flow, especially in inverted positions. This enhanced circulation helps in delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the brain and other organs, energising the body and improving mental alertness and focus. And Fun! Laughter is good for spreading good energy too :)
Resting and Rejuvenating the Nervous System in the Aerial Hammock
1. Deep Relaxation
The gentle rocking motion of the aerial hammock induces a state of deep relaxation, similar to the calming effect of a cradle. This can significantly lower stress levels, calming the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the 'fight or flight' response) and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and digestion.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation
The naturally supportive nature of the aerial hammock provides a unique environment and space for practicing mindfulness and meditation. Being suspended in air can help reduce external distractions, allowing for a deeper connection with the breath and a more profound meditative state, which is great for mental and emotional rejuvenation.
3. Body Bliss
Aerial Pilates gives space for decompression, offering a sense of weightlessness that can alleviate physical stress and tension. This time and space to release is powerful. Movement in the hammock can help physical strains and also in resting the body more effectively, providing the nervous system with the opportunity to rejuvenate and restore.
To come in for landing...
For Pilates teachers and aerialists, balancing the high demands of their practice with adequate rest and rejuvenation is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Aerial Pilates offers a unique blend of activities that can both energise and soothe the nervous system, making it an excellent addition to your training plan or teachings. By including these practices, you and your clients can enjoy the dual benefits of enhanced performance and improved overall well-being.
Remember, it's key to listen to your body and provide it with the care it needs to thrive both in the air and on the ground. Happy flying!
Debbie
x
P.S.
If you'd like time with me in the Air, to learn about teaching, you can get a 14 day free trial to check out my Teacher Training Content behind the scenes
https://www.aircontrolpilates.com/pl/2147669387
Or
If you'd like time with me in the Air, for classes, you can get a 14 day free trial of my subscription area with both matwork, grounded Pilates sessions and Aerial Pilates classes.
https://www.aircontrolpilates.com/offers/BoSCS6v5?coupon_code=SUBSPECIAL
Did you know I also offer a hammock meditation course?
https://www.aircontrolpilates.com/offers/QwHYnAJx?coupon_code=WORKSHOPSPECIAL
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I wrote this blog post with the aim to highlight the importance of balancing activity with rest, specifically through the movement of Aerial Pilates.
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