3 min readEnhancewell
Tax season is upon us. If you haven’t started, I’m going to recommend you bookmark this page and go call your CPA ASAP. Even without Uncle Sam demanding your dollars, adulting is stressful. And if you spend your 9-5 assuming the posture of a question mark, hunched over your desk, your body is likely paying the price.
Just like the IRS requires a percentage of your earnings to keep the country going, your body requires time and care to keep itself functioning well.
That Belly Fat Isn’t Your Fault… It’s Your Stress
As we age, especially for those bound to high-stress careers spent in front of a computer, many notice a belly “pooch” that wasn’t there before. While, of course, you should check with your doctor (Dr. Google doesn’t count), this accumulation of fat is thought to be caused by cortisol, the stress hormone.
When we’re stressed, we often reach for food that boosts our mood. Candy, soda, and fast food are quick fixes for deeper problems. By the time we notice that telltale band around our waists, our health (and the scale) has tipped squarely into the “problem” zone.
The first thing many people do to shed fat? Exercise. Brilliant idea, right? Well… that depends on the type of exercise. If you dive into high-intensity exercise, like running, HIIT, or boot camps, you’re actually increasing your cortisol levels, causing your body to double down on holding onto that fat.
Enter: Pilates.
Pilates vs. Cortisol Belly
It seems counterintuitive, since “no pain, no gain” was every gym teacher’s motto, but stick with me.
Here’s why Pilates works against cortisol belly: The slow, controlled movements of Pilates help you build strength and resilience while reducing stress. Instead of spiking cortisol with high-intensity workouts, Pilates focuses on breath control and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system while strengthening your abs and improving your posture.
Cortisol’s worst enemies include a good night’s sleep, a healthy diet, time in nature, laughter, and exercise that allows conversation, but not singing. (We’ve never tried singing on a Reformer, but we welcome you to try!)
Your belly didn’t show up overnight. It won’t go away overnight, either. Pilates isn’t a quick fix for cortisol belly, but most people experience fat loss, an improved sense of calm, and reduced sugar cravings within 8-12 weeks. Aside from belly fat, what have you got to lose?
Shed Your Cortisol Belly with Pilates at Enhancewell Collective
Newbies often wish they’d started earlier, but say they were intimidated by the springs and machines. Our Foundations Pack is for anyone on the fence about their Pilates journey. It combines two private sessions, where you’ll learn all about the equipment, conquer the basics, and gain confidence, and four group classes, where you’ll discover an encouraging Pilates community and establish a routine to continue your wellness journey.
Enhancewell can’t help you lower the amount of taxes you owe, but we can help you establish a routine of caring for your body. And that’s a “tax” we think is good for everyone!