Pilates are exercises developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century. He also called it ‘contrology’ – controlling muscles by mind. But, I also think that it’s contrology because body can control mind, that is to say exercises can improve our cognitive ability and reduce depression.

Pilates are aerobic exercises and focused breathing is an essential component. The posture adopted for these exercises involves keeping the lower abdomen as close to the spine as possible. Squeezing in the abdomen keeps the abdominal muscles engaged and directs the breath into the back and sides of the rib cage. This increases the intake of oxygen and makes our blood richer in oxygen.

With better blood circulation, improved mental health comes for free! Oxygen-rich blood supply to the brain reduces depression levels and improves cognitive abilities like memory & executive functions (planning, organization etc.).  In fact, the forgetfulness people experience due to aging (senile dementia) happens due to obstructions of blood flow in certain blood vessels of the brain. People who do aerobic exercises regularly show slower aging, physically as well as mentally!

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