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October 14, 2025 16 mins

We explore how Pilates can be a therapeutic path for physical and emotional healing, grounded in breath, nervous system regulation, and mindful movement. Stories, science, and simple practices show how small, safe steps build strength, trust, and lasting change.

• season five focus on core ideas across science, philosophy, and culture
• why Pilates as therapy works for pain, anxiety, and trauma
• neuroplasticity, interoception, and GABA’s role in calming
• breath mechanics that shift fight-or-flight to rest-and-repair
• client stories illustrating safety, pacing, and earned security
• practical tools: three-dimensional breath, spinal mobility, pelvic clock
• somatic skills: resource building, grounding, and pendulation
• adaptations for back pain, anxiety, and trauma-sensitive setups
• nonlinear progress and how to honor strong and tender days
• integrated care with PTs, psychologists, and physicians
• how to start: choose a therapeutic instructor, go slow, keep a journal

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And if you're feeling generous, consider donating at the link provided in the description
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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kris Harris (00:10):
Welcome back to season five of the Kore Kast.
I'm Kris Harris, and we'rediving deeper than ever into the
core ideas that shapeeverything around us.
This season, we're exploringthe essential questions, the
breakthrough discoveries, andthe game-changing conversations
that matter most.
From science and technology tophilosophy and culture, we get

(00:31):
straight to the heart of what'sdriving our world forward.
Season five is going to blowyour mind, so let's get started.
Welcome to today's episode.
I'm Kris Harris, and todaywe're exploring something deeply
personal to me, Pilates astherapy, movement that heals.
As someone who has witnessedfirsthand the transformative
power of mindful movement, Iwant to share with you how

(00:53):
Pilates can become so much morethan just exercise.
It can become a pathway tohealing, both physically and
emotionally.
When I first discovered Pilatesover 15 years ago, I was
searching for something to helpwith chronic back pain.
What I found was something farmore profound, a practice that
didn't just strengthen my body,but also quieted my mind and

(01:15):
opened my heart to healing inways I never expected.
Let's begin by understandingwhat makes Pilates uniquely
therapeutic.
At its core, Pilates is aboutthe mind-body connection.
Joseph Pilates himself calledhis method contrology, the
complete coordination of body,mind, and spirit.
This isn't just poeticlanguage.

(01:36):
It's the fundamental principlethat makes Pilates such a
powerful healing tool.
When we practice Pilates withtherapeutic intention, we're not
just moving our bodies.
We're creating a dialoguebetween our conscious mind and
our physical being.
Every breath becomesintentional.
Every movement becomes an actof mindfulness.
This connection allows us totune into what our body truly

(01:59):
needs, rather than pushingthrough pain or ignoring the
signals our body is sending us.
The science behind why Pilatesworks therapeutically is
fascinating.
Research shows that mindfulmovement practices like Pilates
actually change our brainstructure, strengthening neural
pathways between our prefrontalcortex and body awareness
centers.

(02:19):
This neuroplasticity meansthrough consistent practice,
we're literally rewiring ourbrains for a healthier
relationship with our bodies.
Studies show improvements ininteroception, our ability to
sense internal bodily signals,which is crucial for pain
management and emotionalregulation.
Regular practice decreasescortisol while increasing GABA,

(02:42):
our brain's primary calmingneurotransmitter, supporting the
nervous system in moving fromchronic stress into healing
modes.
The breath work in Pilates isparticularly healing.
In traditional Pilates, wecoordinate our breath with every
movement, exhaling on exertion,inhaling on preparation.
This conscious breathingactivates our parasympathetic

(03:03):
nervous system, which isresponsible for our body's rest
and repair functions.
When we're stressed,traumatized, or in pain, our
nervous system often gets stuckin fight or flight mode.
The rhythmic mindful breathingin Pilates helps shift us back
into a state where healing canoccur.
I've worked with clients whohave experienced trauma, chronic

(03:24):
pain, anxiety, and depression.
Time and again, I've watched asthe combination of gentle
movement and conscious breathinghelps them reconnect with their
bodies in a safe, nurturingway.
One of the most beautifulaspects of therapeutic Pilates
is how it honors where you areright now.
Traditional fitness oftenpushes us to ignore pain, to

(03:47):
push through, to go harder andfaster.
Therapeutic Pilates invites usto slow down, to listen, to work
with our body rather thanagainst it.
This approach is particularlypowerful for those dealing with
chronic conditions, recoveringfrom injury, or healing from
emotional trauma.
The body holds our experiences,both joyful and painful.

(04:10):
Through gentle, mindfulmovement, we can begin to
release tension that we've beencarrying, sometimes for years.
I remember working with Sarah,a client who had been in a car
accident two years prior.
Her physical injuries hadhealed, but she carried the
trauma in her body, tightshoulders, shallow breathing, a

(04:30):
constant sense of being onguard.
Through months of therapeuticPilates sessions, focusing on
breathwork and gentle spinalmobility, she gradually learned
to trust her body again.
Let me share another story thatillustrates this power.
I worked with David, a veteranwho returned from deployment
with physical injuries and PTSD.
Traditional physical therapyhad helped his shoulder, but he

(04:54):
still experienced chronic painand hypervigilance.
When David first came to mystudio, he couldn't lie down
without feeling vulnerable.
We started seated, focusing onbreath awareness and gentle
spinal movements, helping hisnervous system recognize safety.
The breakthrough came about twomonths in.
During a gentle spinal roll,David suddenly stopped and said,

(05:17):
I can feel my back again.
Through the slow, mindfulapproach of therapeutic Pilates,
he gradually reclaimedsensation in areas that had gone
numb as protection.
This illustrates a crucialprinciple.
We must honor the body'sprotective mechanisms while
gently inviting expansion andhealing.
Now, let's talk about somepractical ways you can use

(05:40):
Pilates therapeutically.
First, start with your breath.
Even before you begin anymovement, spend a few minutes
simply breathing consciously.
Place one hand on your chest,one on your belly.
Focus on breathing into yourribs laterally.
Imagine your ribcage gentlyexpanding like an accordion.

(06:01):
This three-dimensionalbreathing is the foundation of
all Pilates work and is deeplycalming to the nervous system.
Next, focus on gentle spinalmobility.
The spine is the centralhighway of our nervous system,
and when it moves freely,everything else in the body
responds.
Simple movements like spinalwaves, gentle twists, and pelvic

(06:23):
tilts can create profoundshifts in how we feel both
physically and emotionally.
Let me share some specifictherapeutic techniques I've
found particularly effective.
The first is resource building.
Before any challenging work, weestablish what feels good and
supportive in the body.
This might be gentle handplacement on the heart or simply
noticing areas that feelneutral or pleasant.

(06:46):
One favorite groundingtechnique is supported child's
pose variation.
Kneeling with a bolstersupporting your torso, focus on
lengthening your exhales.
This activates the vagus nerve,signaling safety to your
nervous system.
Another powerful technique ispendulation, gently moving
between sensation and space.

(07:06):
If someone experiences shouldertension, we notice it without
changing it.
Then shift attention to an areathat feels neutral, like feet
on the ground.
This teaches the nervous systemwe don't have to get stuck in
difficult sensations.
These somatic principles,integrated with Pilates
movement, create a uniquelyhealing practice addressing both

(07:28):
physical limitations andnervous system dysregulation.
The beauty of therapeuticPilates is in its adaptability.
Every exercise can be modifiedto meet your current needs.
If you're dealing with backpain, we focus on gentle core
activation and spinaldecompression.
If anxiety is your challenge,we emphasize breath work and
grounding exercises that helpyou feel more centered and

(07:50):
present.
For those healing from trauma,we might work primarily on the
mat, as being connected to theground can feel safer than being
on equipment.
We move slowly, always checkingin with how each movement
feels, never forcing anythingthat doesn't feel right.
I often tell my clients thattheir body is the expert.
My role is simply to guide themback to listening to their own

(08:14):
inner wisdom.
This approach builds not justphysical strength and
flexibility, but also self-trustand body confidence.
Let me share one of my favoritetherapeutic exercises that you
can try right now, wherever youare.
It's called the pelvic clock,and it's incredibly gentle yet
powerful for both physical andemotional healing.

(08:35):
Lie down comfortably with yourknees bent and feet flat on the
floor.
Imagine there's a clock face onyour pelvis with 12 o'clock at
your belly button and sixo'clock toward your tailbone.
Begin by gently tilting yourpelvis toward 12 o'clock, then
toward six, then three, thennine.
Move slowly, breathing deeply,and notice how each small

(08:58):
movement affects not just yourlower back, but your entire
spine, your breathing, even yourmood.
This simple exercise helpsdecompress the spine, massage
the internal organs, andactivate the deep core muscles
that support us both physicallyand emotionally.
Let me guide you throughanother therapeutic exercise
that's wonderful for emotionalregulation and nervous system

(09:20):
calming.
This is the supported bridgepose, particularly helpful for
anxiety, depression, or chronicfatigue.
Lie on your back with kneesbent and place a pillow or block
between your thighs.
As you breathe in, imaginebreath flowing into your back
ribs.
As you exhale, gently squeezethe prop and slowly lift your

(09:42):
pelvis just an inch or two.
Not a full bridge, just a smalllift.
Focus on the gentle engagementof inner thighs and deep core
while your heart remains soft.
Hold for three breaths, thenslowly lower.
Repeat five to eight times,emphasizing breath and movement
rhythm rather than height.

(10:03):
This stimulates the vagusnerve, engages the pelvic floor
gently, and creates earnedsecurity, stability from your
own muscular support rather thanexternal props.
One of the most profoundrealizations I've had in my
years of teaching is thathealing isn't always linear.
Some days your body will feelstrong and capable.

(10:24):
Other days, it might feelvulnerable or fragile.
Therapeutic Pilates teaches usto honor both states.
On strong days, we mightexplore more challenging
movements.
On tender days we might simplybreathe and do gentle stretches.
This acceptance of our body'snatural rhythms is deeply
healing in itself.
In a world that often demandsconsistency and pushing through,

(10:47):
Pilates offers us permission tobe human, to have good days and
difficult days, and to adjustour practice accordingly.
I've seen clients heal fromdecades-old injuries, overcome
chronic pain, and rebuild theirrelationship with their bodies
through this compassionateapproach to movement.
The emotional healing that canoccur through Pilates often

(11:08):
surprises people.
Movement and emotion areintimately connected.
When we move our bodiesmindfully, we often release
emotions that have been storedin our tissues.
It's not uncommon for someoneto feel unexpectedly emotional
during or after a Pilatessession.
Tears might come, or feelingsof joy, relief, or even anger

(11:30):
might surface.
This is all part of the healingprocess.
Our bodies are wise, and theywill only release what we're
ready to process.
The safe, supportiveenvironment of therapeutic
Pilates provides a container forthis emotional release.
I always tell my clients thatif emotions arise during
practice, to welcome them withcuriosity rather than judgment.

(11:54):
These feelings are information,gifts from our body's wisdom,
showing us what needs attentionand care.
An important aspect oftherapeutic Pilates is working
as part of an integrated healingteam.
While Pilates can be profoundlytherapeutic, it works best
combined with appropriatemedical care, mental health
support, and other therapeuticmodalities.

(12:14):
I often collaborate withphysical therapists,
psychologists, and physicians toensure comprehensive care.
For example, someone recoveringfrom spinal injury might work
with their physical therapist onrehabilitation exercises, see
me for nervous systemregulation, and work with a
counselor on emotional aspects.
It's crucial to understand whenmodifications are essential or

(12:38):
when medical clearance is neededfor certain conditions.
I always encourage clients toshare our work with their
healthcare providers, as mostare thrilled to see patients
engaging in mindful movementpractices.
If you're interested inexploring Pilates' therapy, here
are some suggestions forgetting started.
First, seek out an instructorwho understands the therapeutic

(12:59):
applications of Pilates.
Look for someone who emphasizesbreath work, mindful movement,
and who creates a safe,non-judgmental space.
Start slowly.
Even five or ten minutes ofmindful movement can be
profoundly healing.
Focus on quality over quantity,breath over speed, awareness

(13:20):
over achievement.
Consider keeping a movementjournal.
After each session, no matterhow brief, notice what you
observed in your body, whatemotions arose, what felt good,
what felt challenging.
This practice of reflectiondeepens the therapeutic benefits
of the movement itself.
Remember, healing is not aboutreturning to some perfect state.

(13:41):
It's about becoming more whole,more integrated, more
authentically yourself.
Through the practice oftherapeutic Pilates, we learn to
inhabit our bodies with greaterkindness, to move with
intention rather than force, andto trust in our body's innate
wisdom to heal.
The journey of healing throughmovement has taught me that our

(14:03):
bodies are not just vessels welive in, they are wise teachers,
faithful companions, andsources of deep inner knowing.
When we approach them withrespect, curiosity, and
compassion, they respond bysupporting us in ways we never
imagined possible.
Whether you're dealing withphysical pain, emotional
challenges, or simply seeking adeeper connection with yourself,

(14:26):
I encourage you to explore thehealing potential of mindful
movement.
Your body has been waitingpatiently for you to return home
to it.
Thank you for joining me todayin exploring Pilates' therapy.
I hope this conversation hasinspired you to consider
movement not just as exercise,but as a pathway to healing and
self-discovery.
Remember, your body is wise,your healing is valid, and every

(14:49):
small step toward greater bodyawareness is a victory worth
celebrating.
Until next time, move gently,breathe deeply, and trust in
your body's incredible capacityfor healing.
Take care.
Thank you for joining me onthis episode of the Corecast.
I hope you're feeling inspiredand empowered to take your
health and wellness journey tothe next level.

(15:10):
Remember, every small stepcounts, and I'm here to support
you every step of the way.
If you'd enjoyed today'sepisode, I'd love for you to
share it with your friends andfamily.
And if you're feeling generous,consider donating at the link
provided in the description.
Your support helps us to keepbringing you the core cast every
week, packed with valuableinsights and expert advice.

(15:31):
For more resources, tips, andupdates, don't forget to visit
our website at www.kore-fit.comand follow us on Instagram at
KoreFitnessAZ.
Join our community and let'scontinue this journey together.
Until next time, stay healthy,stay happy, and keep striving
for your best self.
This is Kris Harris signing offfrom the Kore Kast, and I'll

(15:54):
see you next week.
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