Pilates Youth Program - Exercise & Learning
Pilates exercise . . .
1. Over-rides the body’s physiological response to stress. Concentrated and focused breathing initiates the relaxation response and re-integrates the nervous system for receptivity. Pilates exercises activate and integrate all the body’s systems to bring students back into an energized, alert state.
2. Organizes whole-brain function for optimal learning. Breathing and physical activity increases circulation which fuels the brain and body with oxygen and glucose.
3. Raises levels of glucose, serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine, all chemical messengers known to balance behavior and inhibit hunger. The chemical messengers present under stress usually create “quick fix” behaviors which lead to overeating and consumption of junk food.
4. Triggers BDNF, a neuro-tropic factor required for neurons to communicate. The flow of BDNF decreases after 20 minutes of sitting and is triggered again with movement.
5. Shifts body-brain into a homeostatic state – balancing brain chemicals, hormones, electricity and the functioning of all the body’s systems that support making healthy food choices.
6. Strengthens key areas of the brain – basal ganglia, cerebellum and corpus callosum – by building brain cells and connections.
7. Improves mental focus and concentration (Caterino and Polk, 1999) by stimulating the frontal lobe of brain – enhancing memory, creativity and academic achievement (Michael and Wild, 1991), (Brink, 1995).
8. Includes cross-lateral movements which help organize and stimulate the whole brain – unifying the cognitive and motor regions of brain and increasing synaptic connections (Dennison and Hannaford, 1994).
9. Enhances vestibular, cerebellum and reticular activating system integration - which is critical to strengthening our attention and coordination, both physical and cognitive.
10. Helps 85% of students who are kinesthetic learners (Hannaford, 1995). Learning through body is more powerful than learning through listening and recalling facts (Jensen, 1996).
11. Creates a fun, harmonious and safe way for learning and developing group dynamic and social skills.
12. Reduces stress, increasing mind and body fitness and developing key factors of life-time health:
i. Self-awareness
ii. Self-care and management tools and techniques
iii. Mind-body integrity
13. Exercise has been correlated with improved behavior, physical fitness and academic achievement.
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