Now that it is flu season, it is critical that we maintain our health by eating well, getting plenty of rest, and exercising.  We all know that certain foods make the body thrive while others put us in a slump.  Just as well, we know exercise helps us to feel more energized and stay fit. What may come as a surprise, however, is that certain exercise programs can keep your immune system healthy too.

Take Pilates for example. Celebrities, professional athletes, and fitness enthusiasts all thank Pilates for their toned muscles and solid abs, but did you know that practicing Pilates actually helps prevent you from getting sick?

Joseph Pilates created the foundation for the Pilates method while interning in England and tending to injured soldiers during World War I.  Pilates created his own exercise machines by rigging springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance, an innovation that led to his later equipment designs. When an influenza epidemic struck England in 1918, killing thousands of people, not a single one of Joe's trainees died; this, he claimed, testified to the effectiveness of his system.  The reason for this phenomenon is that Pilates focuses on alignment, strength, and stabilization of the spine, encased in which is the central nervous system.  It is this system that is responsible for the sound functioning of every organ in the body.  When the spine is out of alignment and weakened, so is our immune function.  Conversely, when the spinal column is properly stabilized and supported, our immunity and organ functions are significantly enhanced.  Pilates also works to stretch muscles and improve circulation through effective and efficient breathing and fluid movement. This breathing brings more oxygen to the muscles, creating healthier cells throughout the body and ultimately boosting the immune system; In this way, Pilates works to relieve stress, which we all know contributes greatly to our body’s inability to fight off sickness and disease.

Another thing to consider is how Pilates can make you feel mentally.  A key principle in Pilates is learning how use the mind to control muscles, originally known as “Contrology.” Through Pilates exercise, the brain produces more chemicals that are vital to our well being, such as serotonin and endorphins. This is what makes us feel great and also ensures that our brain is functioning properly.  There is significant research to support that working the mind and body together can even help to stave off diseases of aging such as Alzheimer’s.

Pilates will not only make you feel great, but your body will be healthy on the inside and you will be less prone to illness. And because it is stress-free on joints, Pilates is an excellent choice for virtually every body, from the elderly to the seasoned athlete.   So, remember to eat your vegetables, stay rested and hydrated, and add in a daily dose of Pilates to keep your body flu-free and happy.