What is your posture saying about you…

Research has shown that humans and other animals tend to adopt open, expansive postures when feeling powerful and closed, constrictive postures when feeling powerless. This is because our posture is deeply intertwined with the evolutionary selection of what is alpha - the most dominant and powerful individual.

But can we actually cause power through our posture? As it turns out, the answer is yes. In a study, researchers found that posing in high-power (vs. low-power) nonverbal displays caused neuroendocrine and behavioural changes for both male and female participants. High-power posers experienced elevations in testosterone, decreases in cortisol, and increased feelings of power and tolerance for risk. Low-power posers exhibited the opposite pattern.

In other words, simply by adopting a high-power pose for just two minutes, you can instantly become more powerful, both physiologically and psychologically. And this is where Pilates comes in.Pilates is a form of exercise discipline that focuses on developing core strength, improving flexibility, and promoting better posture. By targeting the muscles in the abdomen, back, and hips, which are key to maintaining good posture, Pilates can help you develop the kind of posture that conveys power and confidence.

One of the key principles of Pilates is proper alignment, which means maintaining balance in the spine and engaging the core muscles to support the body. This helps to counteract the negative effects of sitting and other activities that can lead to poor posture. Pilates also emphasises breathing and relaxation, which can help to reduce tension and promote a sense of calm.

It's crucial to remember that how we present ourselves to the world directly affects how we are perceived and met by others. By incorporating Pilates into your exercise routine and focusing on proper alignment and core engagement, you'll be able to cultivate a powerful, confident presence that commands respect and admiration. Not only that, but you may also start to feel more powerful and confident in yourself.

So maybe it's time to stand a little taller and give Pilates a try