Living with ADHD is like having 50 tabs open in my browser - some play music, others take forever to load, and a few I haven't even consciously opened. My head jumps from one thought to the next, my to-do list often seems insurmountable and the constant mental background noise is just tiring. But there is one thing that helps me to press the pause button - Pilates.
for me, Pilates is not just a workout, but a holistic experience for body and mind. It's about control, precision and being consciously here and now. And that's exactly what has a surprisingly beneficial effect on my ADHD. Why Pilates has become an integral part of my week:
With ADHD, it's hard to stay in the moment - but with Pilates, I have no other choice. Every movement requires me to activate specific muscles, control my breathing and follow a clear sequence - autopilot is not an option. On the mat, my mind goes quiet - no to-do lists, no jumbled thoughts, just focus. Instead, I am completely with myself - and also train my focus for everyday life. Working with clear processes also challenges my executive functions. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of decision-making, I practise step-by-step for- and that makes many everyday activities much easier.
My brain is an endless stream of thoughts - to-dos, worries, song lyrics from ten years ago - it just never stops. But somewhere between "The Hundred" and "Roll Up" something happens: the concentration on movement and breathing drowns out the mental noise. It's like meditation in motion - at the end of the class I feel clearer, calmer and internally detangled.
You know that feeling when you're so absorbed in something that you forget space and time? This is the so-called flow state - and people with ADHD often find it difficult to get there (except for things we get carried away with). Pilates opens up this access for me. The precise sequences, the rhythm and the whole-body concentration create a feeling of effortless focus. For the first time, my mind doesn't wander - it is alert, present and efficient.
The ADHD brain is constantly on the lookout for dopamine - which is why boring tasks feel endless, while time flies when it comes to exciting things. The good news is that exercise - especially structured exercise such as Pilates - promotes the release of dopamine. So that good feeling after exercise isn't just an endorphin rush - it's also the reward my brain needs to stay motivated and emotionally balanced.
ADHD can make even simple tasks seem like a mountain - which can eat away at your self-esteem in the long run. In Pilates, on the other hand, I see real progress. Holding an exercise that I couldn't do last week or mastering a new movement shows me that I can learn new things and become stronger - both physically and mentally. And that good feeling afterwards also boosts my self-confidence
Routines are notoriously difficult with ADHD - but Pilates is one I look forward to. It's structured, but not rigid. It challenges me, but doesn't overwhelm me. Knowing that I'm going to get moving at a set time every week helps me to organize my daily life better. This fixed routine makes it easier for me to integrate other healthy habits into my everyday life.
for mefor Pilates is more than just exercise - it's a toolbox for dealing with my ADHD. It gives me focus when my mind is chaotic, calm when my thoughts are racing and confidence when doubts arise. If you have ADHD and are looking for a method that strengthens your body and mind at the same time, I highly recommend Pilates. And if you do Pilates yourself and have a neurodivergent person in your life - invite them to come along. Maybe they will experience the same transformative effect as I did.
Living with ADHD is like having 50 tabs open in my browser - some play music, others take forever to load, and a few I haven't even consciously opened. My head jumps from one thought to the next, my to-do list often seems insurmountable and the constant mental background noise is just tiring. But there is one thing that helps me to press the pause button - Pilates.
for me, Pilates is not just a workout, but a holistic experience for body and mind. It's about control, precision and being consciously here and now. And that's exactly what has a surprisingly beneficial effect on my ADHD. Why Pilates has become an integral part of my week:
With ADHD, it's hard to stay in the moment - but with Pilates, I have no other choice. Every movement requires me to activate specific muscles, control my breathing and follow a clear sequence - autopilot is not an option. On the mat, my mind goes quiet - no to-do lists, no jumbled thoughts, just focus. Instead, I am completely with myself - and also train my focus for everyday life. Working with clear processes also challenges my executive functions. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of decision-making, I practise step-by-step for- and that makes many everyday activities much easier.
My brain is an endless stream of thoughts - to-dos, worries, song lyrics from ten years ago - it just never stops. But somewhere between "The Hundred" and "Roll Up" something happens: the concentration on movement and breathing drowns out the mental noise. It's like meditation in motion - at the end of the class I feel clearer, calmer and internally detangled.
You know that feeling when you're so absorbed in something that you forget space and time? This is the so-called flow state - and people with ADHD often find it difficult to get there (except for things we get carried away with). Pilates opens up this access for me. The precise sequences, the rhythm and the whole-body concentration create a feeling of effortless focus. For the first time, my mind doesn't wander - it is alert, present and efficient.
The ADHD brain is constantly on the lookout for dopamine - which is why boring tasks feel endless, while time flies when it comes to exciting things. The good news is that exercise - especially structured exercise such as Pilates - promotes the release of dopamine. So that good feeling after exercise isn't just an endorphin rush - it's also the reward my brain needs to stay motivated and emotionally balanced.
ADHD can make even simple tasks seem like a mountain - which can eat away at your self-esteem in the long run. In Pilates, on the other hand, I see real progress. Holding an exercise that I couldn't do last week or mastering a new movement shows me that I can learn new things and become stronger - both physically and mentally. And that good feeling afterwards also boosts my self-confidence
Routines are notoriously difficult with ADHD - but Pilates is one I look forward to. It's structured, but not rigid. It challenges me, but doesn't overwhelm me. Knowing that I'm going to get moving at a set time every week helps me to organize my daily life better. This fixed routine makes it easier for me to integrate other healthy habits into my everyday life.
for mefor Pilates is more than just exercise - it's a toolbox for dealing with my ADHD. It gives me focus when my mind is chaotic, calm when my thoughts are racing and confidence when doubts arise. If you have ADHD and are looking for a method that strengthens your body and mind at the same time, I highly recommend Pilates. And if you do Pilates yourself and have a neurodivergent person in your life - invite them to come along. Maybe they will experience the same transformative effect as I did.
Clare is the Marketing Coordinator at Balanced Body and founder of Mother Soil Design (web design & consulting). As a former yoga teacher, long-time yoga practitioner and gym enthusiast, Clare brings extensive experience in fitness and health. She worked in a holistic fitness center for many years. Pilates is a fairly new but extremely effective addition to her exercise program - helping her to better manage symptoms of chronic illness, ADHD and the challenges of everyday life.
Clare is the Marketing Coordinator at Balanced Body and founder of Mother Soil Design (web design & consulting). As a former yoga teacher, long-time yoga practitioner and gym enthusiast, Clare brings extensive experience in fitness and health. She worked in a holistic fitness center for many years. Pilates is a fairly new but extremely effective addition to her exercise program - helping her to better manage symptoms of chronic illness, ADHD and the challenges of everyday life.
