Retreats: Five Benefits for Pilates Practitioners
Are you seeking a transformative experience that nurtures both your body and mind?
In the last little while have you typed any of these into a search bar??
Pilates retreats
Mindful movement retreats
Wellness retreats with Pilates
Holistic retreats with Pilates
Pilates getaway retreats
Pilates retreats for beginners
Luxury Pilates retreats
International Pilates retreats
If you have I’m sure your quick search turned up sooooo many choices that it’s safe to say, 1. you got overwhelmed and 2. a lot of people are interested these types of retreats. There’s got to be a few reasons why they’re popular and by that I mean why folks see them as beneficial, right?
Generally these retreats are in serene and rejuvenating settings. Ahhh, peace & quiet, that’s an excellent reason.
These retreats offer a holistic approach to wellness, combining Pilates with various movement & mindfulness practices. (think breath-work or restorative movement as well as Pilates mat & equipment work). Yes, please, I’ll take some of that.
I think you should book a retreat sooner rather than later (& preferably one that I’m hosting😉)
Let’s draw out the draws.
5 Compelling Reasons to Attend a Pilates and Movement-Based Retreat
Holistic Wellness: A Pilates and movement-based retreat by its very name will prioritise holistic wellness, addressing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Pilates Method is a whole life, whole self way of looking at one’s health.
Generally a Pilates based retreat will offer guided Pilates sessions as well as whatever expertise the instructors possess. For example, in addition to Pilates, I can teach restorative movement, breath-work, aerial hammock fitness, dance, and/or pelvic floor health. I weave these modalities into the mix of my retreats and with the emphasis on mindful movement a deeper awareness of the body and its sensations is cultivated. You could call it a Self Inflicted Deep Dive that will foster a sense of balance and alignment within you.
A Deeper Dive: Compared to a single session the longer time frame that a retreat offers, whether it be one day or a week, lets us go deeper in a number of ways.
Sessions can be longer than the standard 45-60 minutes allowing more time for explaining concepts or experimenting with choreography. If Pilates is the main focus of the retreat there is time to slow down and explore different facets of the Method. For example during one of my retreats we looked at how to adapt the Reformer repertoire to the Matwork - this was a two hour session that could’ve gone longer content wise (but reached the max attention-wise). These types of deep dives allow your brain and body more time to assimilate the Pilates principles and look at the repertoire from many different perspectives. This is why many a-ha moments occur at retreats.
Comfort Zone Expansion: I think this is one of the main reasons people choose to go to a retreat, especially if it’s a “destination retreat”. Stepping outside one's comfort zone, both in new movement experiences and being in an unknown environment, can lead to profound personal growth.
At a Pilates and movement-based retreat, participants are encouraged to explore new forms of movement and engage in activities that might be unfamiliar. Attendees gain resilience, adaptability, and a sense of accomplishment and, most individuals discover they’re more capable than they think. Yes, being in an unknown environment can be a bit nerve wracking! But once we get over the uncomfortable-ness of a new situation, we stimulate our mind, enhance creativity and open up to new perspectives.
There’s also something to be said for being away from our usual schedule. The combination of new physical challenges and novel surroundings can lead to significant personal insights and transformative experiences, especially where we not only can’t, but don’t need to, go grocery shopping, or do the laundry, or pay the bills, or walk the dog, or, or, or...
Community and Connection: One of the most enriching aspects of a Pilates and movement-based retreat, and let’s face it, probably the highlight for many participants, is the sense of community and connection. Oh the people you’ll meet…
Shared experiences, group activities, and supportive interactions, create an environment where individuals can connect authentically with others who share similar wellness goals. Whether bonding over a sunrise breath-work session, some extra sore muscles you didn’t even know you had, enjoying nutritious meals together, or having the time to engage in heartfelt conversations, retreat participants often forge meaningful connections and friendships that extend beyond the duration of the retreat.
Last but probably not least is, Stress Relief and Relaxation: I think we all know that in today's fast-paced world, stress has become ubiquitous, taking a toll on both our bodies and minds.
A Pilates and movement-based retreat offers a respite from the demands of daily life, allowing participants to unwind and recharge in tranquil surroundings. Through Pilates sessions, restorative & gentle stretching, and meditative movement practices, individuals can release tension stored in the body, alleviate stress, and cultivate a profound sense of relaxation. Moreover, the serene environment of a retreat centre provides an opportunity for introspection and mindfulness, enabling participants to reconnect with themselves and find inner peace.
In Conclusion
A Pilates and Movement-based Retreat Offers a Multifaceted Approach to Wellness
Let’s hear it for addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being!
From holistic wellness and stress relief, community and connection, and the benefits of not only stepping outside your comfort zone but being able to deep dive on concepts and Pilates repertoire, these retreats provide participants with invaluable tools for cultivating a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
These are the reasons a Pilates and movement-based retreat should be in your future plans. You deserve to nourish your body, rejuvenate your spirit, and embark on a transformative journey towards greater well-being.
Want to Journey With Me in 2025?
I Have Two Pilates/Movement Retreat Offerings in the Mix:
Women’s Yoga & Pilates Lifestyle Retreat
APRIL 5-6, 2025
My friend Valerie from Still Waters Yoga & Meditation & Myself here at Dragonfly Pilates & Movement/The Vibrancy Society, invite you to Nourish Your Mind, Body, and Soul.
This retreat is being held in the serene Hunter Valley of NSW, AU, for an enriching weekend focused on living your best lifestyle. The house we’ll be staying in is situated on a horse stud farm! Am I excited? You bet I’m excited because this is a part of the country I’ve yet to visit (plus as you know, I love to teach).
Sessions include: Yoga, Pilates, Breath-work, Ayurveda, Meditation, and Gentle Dance
All sessions are designed to enhance your wellbeing and will be led by two experienced facilitators (that’s Valerie and me!)
Connect with like-minded souls while you unwind, slow down and relax
With plenty of downtime you can take a dip in the pool or enjoy the fire pit.
Enjoy nourishing food
Head home feeling refreshed and reenergised
Details Here! Earlybird pricing through FEB 7th, 2025 and payment plans are available.
And, I’m heading back to a beautiful country next June!
PILATES + NATURE: COSTA RICA
JUNE 7-12, 2025
After a successful retreat in Feb of this year, I’m heading back to the beautiful rainforest of Costa Rica’s south pacific zone next June and I can’t wait.
This is a rustic, get out of your comfort zone, retreat but so worth it. If you are a bird lover, a waterfall aficionado, a hiker, or a nature lover, you’ll be entranced by what this retreat has to offer. I co-host it with three scientists so you get the best of both worlds - Pilates + Nature.
Since the number of participants is low (8 guests total) I’m able to craft bespoke movement offerings to support those in attendance while my fellow guides share their passion and expertise about the natural world. It’s fun!
If you’re curious, HERE’S some more detailed info.
To wet your whistle.
Their outlooks are certainly different but equally beautiful.
Thanks for reading the whole shebang, I hope you’re find joy in moving, whether it’s Pilates, another movement modality, or simply walking in nature.
Be Well,
xBec
Always love this Joseph Pilates quote:
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and Rebecca Forde disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this post