Working from home has become a bit of a modern phenomenon over the past five years. When lockdown hit in 2020, the numbers of remote workers changed overnight and ever since, many businesses have stuck to it or implemented some kind of hybrid-working model.
As of October 2024, 41% of UK workers work remotely for at least part of the week, 28% work in a hybrid model, and 13% work from home full-time.
While there are huge benefits for employees when it comes to working from home, such as reduced travel time and costs and the ability to spend more time with family, many have reported some negative effects too, such as feeling more lonely and isolated and suffering with back or neck aches due to an inappropriate desk set up or sitting on the wrong type of chair for extended periods of time.
Sitting for a long period of time is a form of sedentary behaviour, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and premature mortality, so it’s more important than ever that home workers get their bodies moving when they can.
Pilates is just one form of exercise that could help, but how?
Improves posture
If you’re sitting in a chair that’s too short or too high for your desk, or even slouched in an armchair, chances are it’s affecting your posture. Pilates focuses on strengthening your core muscles, which support the spine and maintain alignment, therefore improving your posture.
I’d highly recommend looking at your desk and chair set up if you work from home on a regular basis too!
Increases flexibility
After sitting at your desk, do your joints ever feel stiff and inflexible? Pilates stretches and lengthens the muscles, which not only increases flexibility, but also prevents injury.
Manages stress levels
If you find yourself getting particularly stressed while working from home, it can be hard to find a way to release that stress. The breathwork used in Pilates can help relieve stress and lower cortisol levels.
Improves concentration
Taking part in an exercise such as Pilates, gives you the chance to focus your mind on something other than work. It improves mental clarity and can be a welcome break from the busy work day.
Combats social isolation
Pilates has mental benefits as well as physical ones and is ideal for combatting social isolation that someone who works from home might face. Some workers might go all day not talking to another person, so getting yourself along to a Pilates class can be hugely beneficial as you will be surrounded by other people who all share a common interest.
It’s also great for having a change of scenery and talking about something else other than work!
Improves energy
I don’t know about you, but being cooped up indoors all day makes many people feel lethargic and like they have no energy. It’s because your body hasn’t really moved enough and you’ve had no fresh air or daylight. Pilates gets your breath and circulation moving and walking there and back could give you the fresh air and daylight that you need too.
Try Pilates in your local area.
I offer Pilates classes across Weston-super-Mare. There are different levels of exercises on offer, so you can choose whichever is best for you and I can assist you with this.
If you were to book a one to one session with me, it would be totally bespoke to you and your goals or reasons for choosing Pilates. Small props such as balls and resistance bands may be used to enhance or progress elements of your programme.
If you’re interested in giving it a try, take a look at the classes I have available in Weston-super-Mare here (https://ehsportstherapy.com/services/pilates/).