Good News: Pilates counts as brain health!

When most people think about improving brain health, they picture crossword puzzles, memory games, or aggressively doing Wordle before coffee.

But science keeps giving us better news: movement is one of the best things you can do for your brain.

Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, helps form new neural connections, and supports memory, focus, and overall brain function as we age. Translation? Moving your body helps keep your brain sharp—and less likely to forget why you walked into a room.

Pilates is especially good for your brain.

Unlike zoning out on a treadmill, Pilates asks your brain to stay fully engaged. You’re coordinating breath, balance, strength, and control—all while trying not to fall off the reformer. That combination of physical movement and mental focus is gold for brain health.

Research shows that activities requiring concentration AND coordination can improve cognitive function and help reduce stress (which, let’s be honest, our brains could use less of).

So yes—Pilates is strengthening your bones and muscles, improving posture, and helping you move better. But it’s also quietly supporting memory, focus, and long-term brain health.

Not bad for a 50-minute workout.