Corporate Pilates: A Refreshing Break in Your Workday

You are only as young as your spine is flexible. - Joseph Pilates

The above quote given by Pilates's creator highlights its importance in the well-being of every individual. Let us take a deep dive in, starting from the fundamentals of what exactly is pilates?

Pilates is a gentle exercise method that focuses on targeting the core muscles of our body to attain balanced strength. It emphasizes controlled movements and coordinated breathing to enhance flexibility and body control.

Corporate Pilates refers to pilates classes offered at the workplace for employees. Companies provide onsite 30-45 minute pilates classes as a health benefit during lunchtime, before, or after work. These classes are led by instructors who utilize mats and props like resistance bands and pilates balls.

Corporate Pilates comes as a soothing getaway from your workday grind. It breezes in, rescuing employees from computer slouches and sore backs. Corporate Pilates lures you away from the hustle, helping you to relax your body and mind.

This blog gives you a holistic overview of Corporate Pilates. And how it can benefit your employees.

How Can Pilates Classes Benefit Your Employees?

While not as mainstream as corporate yoga,corporate pilates benefits today's workforce in many ways. Pilates exercises for desk jobs revive employees both mentally and physically. Let us understand the benefits of Pilates in detail.

Benefits at a glance

Physical Wellbeing Benefits of Pilates for Office Workers

Better Posture and Spine Health

• Strengthens core muscles for improved posture
• Increases body awareness for better alignment
• Relieves pain both in back and neck

Energy and Focus

• Fosters mental focus through mind-body connection
• Boosts energy and clarity from breathing techniques

Flexibility and Mobility

• Improves flexibility in joint movement
• Loosen up joints to counteract stiffness

Injury Prevention

• Develops balanced strength for proper movements
• Reduces the risk of workplace injuries

Physical Strength

• Involves major muscle groups for overall body strength
• Develops endurance to sustain energy at work

Mental Wellbeing Benefits of Pilates for Office Workers

Pilates for Stress Relief at Work

• Reduces stress through breathing techniques
• Promotes mindfulness and presence
• Regulates cortisol for a balanced stress response

Confidence

• Boosts self-esteem through accomplishment
• Encourages positive work attitude

Work-Life Balance

• Shows a culture that values wellbeing
• Provides a break to de-stress

Long-Term Health

• Improves cardiovascular system
• Reduces risk of chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Blood pressure, etc.

Corporate Advantages of Pilates

Pilates for Team Building

• Fosters shared goals and a sense of achievement
• Encourages collaboration and support among team members
• Strengthens relationships through group pilates sessions

Enhanced Employee Morale

• Employees feel valued when companies invest in their wellbeing
• The shared experience of pilates classes boosts morale and comradeship
• Physical and mental health benefits lead to happier, more motivated employees

Reduced Employee Absence

• Employees are less likely to call in sick when they feel healthy and energetic.
• Pilates improves immunity, circulation, and joint health.

Increased Productivity

• Employees are more focused and clear-headed after pilates
• Better posture and less fatigue enhance work performance
• Employees who consistently show up are more productive and healthier.

The corporate pilates program can yield measurable results in employee well-being. A recent study highlighted that 87% of employees consider health and wellness packages when choosing an employer.

Now, after understanding its benefits. Let's focus on what makes Pilates unique compared to other forms of workout.

Recommended Read: These 19 Benefits of Pilates Will Inspire You to Fire Up Your Core

What Makes Pilates Unique? 7 Key Differences From Other Workouts

Pilates is a unique form of exercise focusing on core strength, body alignment, and mind-muscle connection. Pilates stands out from other existing corporate fitness alternatives by the following principles:

• Core Strengthening Focus: Pilates establishes core strength by targeting deep core muscles. It targets the abdomen, hips, and lower back to stabilize posture.

• Alignment Emphasis: Alignment is at the forefront of pilates exercises. It aims to achieve a well-aligned body through an undivided attention to posture.

• Mind-Body Integration: Pilates integrates breath, concentration, and control. Which helps achieve harmony between the mind and body. It helps in fostering a mindful connection during practice.

• Fluid Sequences and Graceful Movements: Pilates defines its sequences through seamless transitions. It embraces a leisured and calming pace in its exercises.

• Personalized Programming: Pilates tailors exercises to attain goals based on individual abilities. It accommodates a personalized approach, considering the practitioner's objectives and limitations.

• Precision and Controlled Movements: Pilates is characterized by precise and controlled movements. It emphasizes accuracy throughout practice.

Pilates provides a comprehensive way to condition the body beyond surface-level toning. Pilates improves posture, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

But how exactly is pilates different from similar corporate exercise options such as yoga? Let us understand the key differences between pilates and Yoga.

Recommended Read: Difference Between Pilates and Yoga

Pilates vs Yoga: Key Differences

Both Yoga and pilates are mild exercises focusing on bodyweight resistance. And both of them have similar benefits to offer for improving overall wellness. Yet some key differences make both of them unique in themselves.

• Origins: Yoga, mentioned by Rishi Patanjali, has its roots in ancient Indian philosophy and spirituality. John Pilates created pilates in the 1920s to rehabilitate injured soldiers of World War I.

• Focus: Yoga aims to unify the atman (soul) with brahman (body). Pilates focuses on physical conditioning, especially core strength.

• Techniques: Yoga uses various poses and sequences with several accurate steps. Pilates emphasizes controlled, precise movements and core muscle engagement.

• Breathing: Breathwork can be a standalone asana (exercise) of yoga. Pilates coordinates breath with movements.

• Goals: Yoga aims for inner peace, enlightenment and self-realization. Pilates aims to improve posture, strength, and body conditioning.

• Spirituality: Yoga emphasizes both physical and spiritual well-being. Pilates focuses on the physical aspect of well-being.

Yoga has various styles that target different areas like the gut, digestion, and back pain. Pilates has changed but still emphasizes building strength.

Yoga is more spiritual and holistic, while pilates is more physical and fitness-oriented. Both can improve fitness but have different philosophical approaches. But both contribute significantly towards employee wellness.

Interested in sharing the benefits of pilates with your workforce? With vision, planning, and step-by-step guidance, your company can smoothly unroll the Pilates mat.

Recommended read: 14 Fantastic Benefits Of Yoga In The Workplace

Starting a Pilates Program at Your Company: A Step-by-Step Approach

A workplace Pilates program greatly benefits employee health, morale, and productivity. Implementing a successful program requires planning, commitment, and cooperation. Use this comprehensive approach to introduce Pilates classes at your company:

• Create an Attractive Proposal: Draft a proposal highlighting pilates’ benefits. Mention benefits such as posture, stress relief, and injury prevention. Get management approval and the required budget.

• Find a Certified Instructor: Choose a certified pilates instructor. The one with workplace experience and proper insurance.

• Arrange Suitable Space: Set aside room for pilates classes equipped with reformers, mats, and props.

• Plan a Convenient Schedule: For flexibility, offer diverse class timings. It can be early mornings, lunch breaks, or after work.

• Face-to-face classes or online: Provide flexible options. There can be virtual corporate pilates classes or in-office group classes.

• Set expectations: Communicate the level of pilates class to expect and encourage an open mindset. Remind the team it's about rejuvenation, not perfection. Foster a judgment-free environment.

• Promote Enrollment: Promote classes by encouraging pilates breaks during work hours. And also through emails, intranet, and posters emphasizing fitness perks.

• Monitor Engagement: Track attendance and employee enthusiasm and adjust based on results.

• Maintain Feedback Loop: After the session, gather feedback. Understanding what worked and what didn't can help tailor future sessions to your team's needs.

• Corporate discounts and offers: Corporate packages may include rewards and gift cards. They will help further boost participation.

Follow these tips to enjoy the benefits of offering pilates at your business. These benefits include improved focus, reduced stress, stronger teamwork, and increased productivity.

Recommended Read: Creating an Effective Corporate Wellness Program

Recommended Programs for Corporate Pilates Classes

Here is a list of helpful resources that can be useful to kick-start your corporate pilates program.

Club Pilates

• Based in San Diego, USA
• Services: Studio pilates, International pilates classes, challenges, and contests
• Visit Website

Phitosophy

• Based in Burbank, California, USA
• Services: Onsite pilates classes available
• Contact: hello@phitosophy.com
• Visit Website

Pilates With Dorita

• Based in Frankfurt, Germany
• Services: Live online Pilates classes
• Visit Website

The Office Yoga Co.

• Based in London, UK
• Services: Corporate Pilates classes
• Contact: hello@theofficeyogaco.com
• Visit Website

Concord Pilates

• Based in New Hampshire, USA
• Services: Personalized pilates, group practice, and workshops
• Email: info@concordpilates.com
• Visit Website

Junction9

• Based in Calgary, Canada
• Services: Private pilates, teacher training and workshops
• Contact: info@junction9.ca
• Visit Website

A Beginner's Guide To Your First Corporate Pilates Class

Starting a new workout can be overwhelming. But your first Pilates class can be rewarding with the right approach. Unwrap the benefits of Pilates at workplace with this beginner's walkthrough.

• Reach Early: Get a smooth start by arriving 10 to 15 minutes before class. You will have enough time to prepare your mat and meet the instructor.

• Dress Smart: Opt for comfortable, breathable athletic wear that allows unrestricted movement. Wearing the right attire ensures you can excel in the exercises without hindrance.

• Warm Up: Ease into the session with some gentle stretches. These stretches will help loosen your muscles and joints. Thus prepping them for the exercises lying ahead.

• Follow the Lead: Mirror the instructor's movements during mat pilates exercises. Take it slow initially to grasp the flow and essentials of the routine.

• Add Accessories: Individuals seeking a more difficult workout may include bands, rollers, and balls. These add resistance, intensifying the workout for more advanced participants.

• Mind-Body Harmony: Stay present and attuned to your breath transitioning through flowing movements. This mindful engagement enhances the mind-body connection.

• Personalize Modifications: Customize movements as per your comfort level and abilities. Avoid pushing yourself too hard and embrace changes if needed.

• Cool Down: Wrap up your class by embracing a gentle cool-down. Stretching and the relaxation of the Savasana pose allow your body to integrate the benefits of the session.

• Embrace Feedback: Take note of cues and suggestions from the instructor. This feedback is invaluable for improving your technique and getting the most out of future Pilates sessions.

• Regular Attendance: It is crucial for unlocking compounding physical and mental advantages.

Trying your first pilates class at work is a way to improve your health and fitness. Following these steps and embracing the experience sets the stage for a fulfilling pilates journey.

You might also want to look into what others say about their experience with pilates.

Recommended Read: The Ultimate Guide to Pilates for Beginners

The Experience of Taking a Pilates Class

Here are some Pilates testimonials shared by those who have benefitted from this exercise. Let us listen to what they have to say.

Bottom line

As we've seen, Pilates classes are just one bolt in the engine of company wellness. Corporate wellness programs, such as Pilates, are gaining traction. Corporate Pilates classes offer a refreshing escape for employees from workday demands.

Both corporate wellness and Pilates go hand in hand in harboring. It helps retain a productive workforce. With the rise of corporate wellness, companies are recognizing the significance of Pilates.

Rather than being just another fitness trend, Corporate Pilates elevates work culture. So don't delay integrating Pilates into your corporate wellness programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What equipment is needed to start a workplace Pilates program?

Pilates can be started with a simple set of comfortable and easy equipment. Some basic beginner level equipments required for Pilates are:

• Pilates Mat
• Pilates Ring
• Foam Roller
• Pilates or Resistance Bands
• Stability Ball

There are some advanced equipment also. Those looking for an intensified workout may give these a try.

• Pilates Chair
• Trapeze Table
• Pilates Reformer

You can use these tools to start a Pilates program in your workspace.

2. When should we offer Pilates classes during the workday?

Ans: Pilates classes can be offered at any time of the day. However, to ensure maximum participation, the timings must be kept flexible. Some suggestions on when to offer Pilates classes on the workday are:

• Start of the day: Starting a day with a Pilates session will keep employees productive and alert throughout the day.

• During lunch hour: Ensure maximum participation by offering a quick Pilates break during the workday. It will help employees to start the second half afresh with loaded energy.

• After working hours: Employees may feel rejuvenated with a Pilates session after a tiring workday.

Consider incorporating Pilates classes during weekends. It will further enhance team bonding along with improving overall health.

3. Are there options for virtual corporate Pilates classes?

Yes. In the resources section of this blog, we have already discussed a few options for offering virtual classes. You may run through them or research them based on your interests and needs.

Keeping virtual classes as an option increases flexibility and also benefits offsite employees. Hence, it is highly recommended to have virtual Pilates classes in your company.