Posts In: meditation

Lately, mindfulness meditation has been gaining a lot of attention—and for all the right reasons. More and more schools are beginning to recognize the benefits of mindfulness, and are incorporating it into their educational programs and daily activities. It’s no surprise, since mindfulness helps students enhance focus, concentration, and overall engagement in their learning process.

But the benefits of mindfulness aren’t limited to students alone. Adults are also discovering how practicing mindfulness can greatly improve their well-being. From reducing anxiety and stress to sharpening concentration and improving cognitive function, mindfulness has the power to bring balance and calm to our busy lives. With today’s constant stream of distractions and overstimulation, mindfulness offers a way to ground ourselves and regain clarity.

At its heart, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, focusing purposefully on the here and now, and accepting it without judgment. While it’s simple in concept, mindfulness is incredibly powerful. Studies have shown that regular practice can positively impact emotional, mental, and physical health. It’s a tool that connects you to the present moment, creating space for a deeper sense of well-being and self-awareness.

But mindfulness is not always easy to maintain, especially in a world that’s constantly demanding our attention. That’s where Pilates and Reiki come in. These two practices offer amazing ways to support mindfulness, helping you cultivate a deeper sense of presence and well-being.

Pilates is a perfect complement to mindfulness. Through controlled movements and deep focus on breath, Pilates encourages mind-body awareness, improving flexibility, strength, and posture. The mindful nature of Pilates allows you to connect with your body in a way that calms the mind, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. It’s an excellent practice for those looking to enhance their mindfulness and improve their physical well-being.

Reiki, a gentle yet powerful energy healing practice, also plays a significant role in supporting mindfulness. Reiki works by channeling healing energy to the body, helping to release blockages and restore balance. It encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of calm and well-being. Reiki is a wonderful way to nurture both the mind and body, allowing you to experience a deeper connection to yourself and the present moment.

At Meadowlands Physiotherapy and Absolute Pilates, we’re passionate about supporting your journey to wellness through Pilates and Reiki. These practices are wonderful tools for cultivating mindfulness, reducing stress, and improving both physical and mental health. If you’re ready to experience the transformative benefits of Pilates and Reiki, we invite you to join us and take the next step in your mindfulness journey. Let’s embrace the power of the present moment together, through movement, breath, and healing energy.

You’ve probably seen adorable photos and gifs on the internet where a mom is striking a yoga pose and her kids are copying her in the background. At Absolute Pilates, we find those photos and gifs inspiring. Yoga can, and should, be an activity that the whole family participates in. While yoga might traditionally be more popular among women, everyone can find a type of yoga that suits their abilities and challenges them.

At Absolute Pilates, we offer classes for all ages—from young children to seniors. Here’s how your family can enjoy and get the most out of each class.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha style yoga is gentle. During a Hatha class, you’ll focus on relaxation and breathing while trying basic poses. This is the best type of class for any of your family members to try if they are beginners. Seniors will find that this class isn’t too physically challenging and young children won’t be pushed beyond their limits. Everyone will benefit from:

• A calmer nervous system
• Higher energy levels or vitality
• More flexibility and balance
• More strength

Slow Flow and Strength Yoga

Though we call it “slow flow”, this type of yoga is still “yang” or active yoga. It focuses more on building strength with rhythmic, repeated movements. The adults in your family who are looking to build strength may enjoy slow flow yoga. Teenagers with a lot of energy may also enjoy this type of yoga over others. Overall, it’s a more engaging, challenging activity.

Additionally, seniors and those with injuries or physical limitations may find that slow flow yoga improves their functional movement. Beginners can join this class, but it also challenges those who already know some yoga too. If you’re looking for your next yoga challenge, this could be it.

Restorative Yoga

Every pose you take during a restorative yoga class is supported by props, such as blankets, sandbags and eye pillows. This class is more inward focused and helps heal the body, mind and soul. Anyone can achieve the poses because they are supported and the class offers a wide range of benefits.

These benefits include:

• Reducing stress hormones in the body
• Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
• Decreasing chronic pain and discomfort
• Increasing blood flow and oxygen levels

If any of your family members need an escape from their busy lives, this is an excellent class to start with. You’ll feel peaceful, patient, and rejuvenated after each class.

Meditation and Yin Yoga

If yang yoga is active, yin yoga is receptive and calm. In this class, we start with a half hour of meditation, for focus and relaxation. Then we do an hour of yin yoga, which is mostly seated poses that target the deep muscles and connective tissues in the body.

This type of yoga is also very accessible to everyone in the family. Any child who enjoys their quiet time will like this yoga. Older family members won’t feel outpaced or challenged beyond their ability as every pose is supported.

Yoga at Absolute Pilates

Do you have concerns about any of your family members joining our yoga classes? Let us know ahead of time and our skilled, compassionate yoga instructors can make the class more accommodating to their specific needs.  Contact us today for more information about the styles of yoga we offer!