Who says pilates is just an excuse for brunch?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Stressed? Exercise. Sluggish? Exercise. Struggling to overcome drug withdrawal symptoms? Ex…er…cise…? For some, running and yoga have increased rehabilitation outcomes.
Feng Ji and team from Soochow University questioned if PILATES could provide similar benefits. They recruited forty-four people participating in a conventional rehab program. Half ALSO participated in hour-long sessions of mat pilates twice a week.
And? After twenty four weeks, pilates significantly improved physical AND mental fitness. Having that mind-body connection reduced depression and anxiety by TWENTY PERCENT compared to conventional rehab!
Now that’s a good reason to do pilates! Though I won’t keep you from BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS!
Ji, F., Zhou, E., Zhao, P. et al. Effect of pilates on the physical and mental health of drug-dependent individuals — a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 25, 559 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07008-7