Why Rest Belongs In Your Pilates Practice
Jul 12, 2026
We often hear that movement is medicine—and I believe that wholeheartedly. But after more than 20 years of helping people recover from chronic pain and take back control of their lives, I've learned something equally important:
Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do for your body and mind is less.
That may sound surprising coming from a Pilates practitioner. But for those of you who work with me, you would have heard many times that it's about listening, responding, and giving your body what it needs in that moment—and not what it managed yesterday. In addition to chronic back pain, several of my clients have conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, which I am also dealing with myself, and there is nothing to be gained from pushing through if you are having a crash or a flare-up. In fact, it will only make the situation worse.
We've Been Taught To Push Through
Many of us grew up in the "no pain, no gain" era, believing that persistence is always the answer. If we were tired, we pushed harder. If we were sore, we would ignore it. If we missed training or a workout, we felt guilty. But our bodies don't thrive on guilt. They thrive on balance. When we're constantly running on empty, our nervous system can become overloaded. Muscles tighten. Recovery slows. Sleep is affected. Pain often increases, and exercise that usually feels good can suddenly feel like too much. This isn't weakness. It's your body asking to be heard.
Rest Is Part Of The Process
One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to make when I started Pilates, and I encourage my clients to make, is seeing rest as an active part of their wellbeing rather than something they have to earn. Rest allows your muscles and connective tissue to repair and recover, and helps the nervous system to return to a state of calm. Rest gives tissues time to repair and restores the energy we need to move well again. Without adequate recovery, even the "right" exercise can become another stressor on an already exhausted body.
Small Movements Still Matter
There are days when a full Pilates session feels wonderful and exactly what your body needs. And there are days when five gentle breaths, a slow shoulder roll, or lying on a rolled-up towel to open up your chest is enough.
Both days count.
Consistency isn't about doing the same amount every day. It's about staying connected to your body, even if today's practice looks very different from yesterday's. Small daily doses of 5 minutes or less of Pilates have proven to be very effective for my clients dealing with chronic illness. And if some days it's breathing while resting in bed, then that's what your body needs.
Learning To Listen
One of the greatest gifts Pilates offers isn't just stronger muscles or better posture. It's body awareness. As you become more aware of how you move and feel, you begin to notice the difference between healthy challenge and unnecessary strain. You learn when to progress. You learn when to pause. You learn that responding to your body's signals is far wiser than ignoring them.
Permission To Slow Down
If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or simply not yourself lately, perhaps this is your reminder that slowing down isn't giving up. It may be exactly what your body needs. There will be seasons for building strength, improving balance, and challenging yourself. There will also be seasons for gentleness, recovery, and simply maintaining what you've already gained.
Both have value.
As always, the goal isn't perfection. It's creating a sustainable relationship with movement that supports you for years to come. Because ageing well—and living well—isn't about doing the most. It's about doing what helps your body feel safe, capable, and cared for.
And sometimes, that begins with giving yourself permission to rest.
If you are ready to start Pilates to overcome chronic pain or to strengthen for your later years, email me at [email protected] . Alternatively, you can book an Initial Assessment with me here or take the free 10 day trial of JS Mind Body Pilates, my library of on-demand videos, and start straight away. It would be my pleasure to assist you in starting your Pilates journey to pain-free living!
