I am writing this in response to a response I received regarding an article I wrote about somatics, embodiment andPilates. In that article I stated the importance of creating trauma informed movement spaces and highlighted that “modern” wellness embodies a comprehensive perspective on health and vitality, addressing not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. I brought up the very real fact that health and wellness is not just whether we exercise or not. Understanding the intersection of ACE’s(Adverse Childhood Experiences) and SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) and health and wellness can offer both teachers and students insight into their circumstances and behavior. It underlines the early inequity of health and wellness in this country as well as how chronic stress and trauma impact our physiology.
Now I will give you the response I received which led me to create this post because some things need to be clarified.
“So when did Pilates become psychotherapy & social emotional therapy to address childhood trauma and social injustices? I’m a behavioral psychologist, and my Pilates classes are not an opportunity to delve into one’s social emotional state.”
Now I will clarify. There is a difference between “Trauma Informed” and “Trauma Focused”. Trauma Informed can be implemented everywhere. It is the process of how services are provided. This process considers how trauma affects individuals and focuses on the importance of safety and avoiding re-traumatization. Trauma Focused is the treatment and directly addressing the impact of the trauma through specific services that include therapy. Trauma informed values include things like safety (physical and emotional), trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. I am all for having more of this in learning spaces that involve our bodies. 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s 223.4 million people. If the current fitness/movement space paradigm met everyone where they are we wouldn’t have a large movement full of excellent teachers and devoted students advocating for inclusivity and change. These are just a handful. @fatbodypilates, @requisitepilates,@decolonizingfitness, @queerbodypilates. Within Pilates there are people already incorporating psychology tools. Mary Bowen (Pilates Elder) is a Jungian analyst and created Pilates Psyche. I have also seen positive psychology techniques interwoven. There is TIWL- Trauma Informed Weightlifting Center forTrauma and Embodiment. There is the Danish Wounded Warriors Project at the Copenhagen Pilates Studio in Denmark. Within the appropriate container and professional therapeutic relationship there is no reason why Pilates can’t be a wonderful modality to incorporate into therapy and trauma work. It is important to be clear on what our spaces are and are not. As well as what we are ethically and legally able to provide. I respect the responding person’s clarity that they choose to keep their educations separate.
Social justice is inherently present in Pilates studios because they are filled with people who experience the impacts of societal inequities. These injustices affect our bodies on acellular level, leading to chronic stress and health issues. Inequity is on acellular level. If you believe social justice does not apply to you, it indicates a position of privilege, as you are shielded from the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups. I'm not implying that everyone needs to become an activist, but how about we try to get to the place where we recognize this as a fundamental truth? Recognizing this is crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in Pilates spaces.
To be clear, I am not advocating for Pilates teachers to provide trauma treatment; that would be wildly inappropriate. Instead, I am advocating for trauma-informed movement spaces that honor everyone’s social-emotional state. Social-emotional health is the ability to understand and manage our emotions and to form connections and relationships with the world around us. Strong social-emotional health enables individuals to integrate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that supports overall well-being. This is not about attempting to "treat" someone's mental health but about creating a space that supports self-exploration, self-awareness, and bodily autonomy.
Somatics, which focuses on the mind-body connection, can significantly enhance our social and emotional well-being in several ways:
Awareness and Regulation: Somatic practices help us become more aware of our bodily sensations and emotions. This heightened awareness can improve our ability to recognize and regulate our emotions, leading to better emotional well-being.
Stress Reduction: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindful movement can reduce stress and anxiety, which supports both emotional and social well-being by promoting a calmer, more centered state of mind.
Enhanced Empathy: By tuning into our own bodily sensations and emotions, we can become more attuned to the feelings of others.This can enhance our empathy and improve our social interactions and relationships.
Pilates is a mind body practice. A holistic practice. Joseph Pilates advocated for a comprehensive approach to physical well-being, as evidenced in his book “Return to Life.” He emphasized the importance of achieving uniform development of the body, addressing not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional aspects. His teachings encompassed practices to develop self-awareness, alleviate nervousness in the body, and promote optimal breathing. He recognized the significance of play, nutritious food, sleep, and fresh air. These principles align closely with somatic and holistic approaches, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in fostering overall well-being. As Pilates gains momentum in the fitness industry, there’s a need for conversations about maintaining its foundational principles of holistic movement and mindfulness. Amidst the pressures of an externally driven fitness landscape, the challenge lies in preserving the essence of Pilates while adapting to the evolving demands of the industry. It’s the age-old balancing act of meeting people’s desires while also providing what they truly need for their well-being.
Movement spaces that incorporate these values embody a holistic approach to wellness, fostering compassion, curiosity, and courage. By embracing a mindful approach, we learn to meet ourselves with kindness and acceptance, befriending our perceived limitations and recognizing them as valuable teachers on the path to wholeness. We transform our relationship with our own bodies and the world around us, cultivating deeper connections and authenticity with ourselves, others, and our environment. By infusing social justice into these spaces and acknowledging our own biases, we create inclusive environments that truly promote health and wellness for all. Additionally, creating trauma-informed movement curriculum powers practices like Pilates to extend into spaces such as the correctional system, homeless shelters, and refugee centers, bringing healing and transformation to even the most marginalized populations. Let’s not forget thatJoseph Pilates himself was an immigrant and imprisoned at an internment camp during WWI. This modern vision of wellness inspires a future where movement spaces are not only places of physical activity but also places of healing and transformation.
I was very happy to work with Fusion Pilates EDU again and film The HeART of Embodied Teaching: A Holistic and Trauma-Informed Approach for Movement Teachers this past Spring. In June of 2025 I will receive my Masters of Social Work (Direct Practice-Trauma Informed Track). I am looking forward to helping to facilitate more health, wellness and healing through both bottom-up and top- down modalities that honor the needs and experiences of each person.
