Caren Khaddaj | Staff Writer

We’ve all seen aesthetic Instagram stories of our friends at their 8 AM Pilates class. We’ve all noticed students walking on campus sipping a weird green drink -matcha- from a coffee shop on Bliss Street. Without any doubt, we have all come across these two very popular things: Pilates and Matcha. But have you ever wondered how they can boost your well-being?

The pursuit of wellness through mindfulness is a precious gem in our current world of non-stop task switching. Your daily routine gives you space to rediscover yourself while rejuvenating your body and calming your mind. Pilates and matcha form a perfect combination which provides a complete wellness system.

On one hand, Pilates is a form of movement that builds strength and flexibility. It is different from other types of exercise because it focuses on movements that are controlled and precise. Every movement in Pilates is to build core strength and, at the same time, improve flexibility and posture. The controlled movements in Pilates demand your full presence along with breath awareness as your body listens, making it a deeply mindful practice. Pilates guides you to monitor your body’s sensations during stretching exercises and resistance work which leads to inner peace and mental grounding. With time, body transformation is seen by creating core strength and enhancing flexibility, improving posture, and, most importantly, supporting mental wellness. It reduces stress and promotes relaxation and mental clarity. This results in both physical and psychological benefits.

Matcha, on the other hand, represents powdered green tea which maintains its position as a fundamental part of Japanese culture through the centuries. It has recently increased in popularity because people recognize its health advantages as well as mental and physical performance benefits. Rich in antioxidants, amino acids such as L-theanine, and natural caffeine, matcha offers a unique combination that supports sustained energy and calm focus. The matcha preparation method, along with its consumption practice, holds equal importance to its health benefits. The process of whisking matcha powder into hot water becomes a meditative experience when you observe the matcha foam transform into its vibrant green color. While matcha may help in supporting immune function and promoting focus, its true value lies in the harmony it creates between body, mind, and tradition.

It’s safe to say that practicing Pilates and drinking matcha are more than just a trend! So, if you are looking for ways to enhance the experience of being present in the moment, how about incorporating both in your daily routine? The practice of drinking matcha after Pilates helps you maintain a peaceful state which enables you to find calm and clears your mind to do some reflection. The deep green appearance of matcha combined with its velvety texture and robust earthy flavor creates an experience that encourages you to stop and value the current moment. Pilates and matcha work together as a complete practice which builds physical strength and flexibility while simultaneously supporting mental clarity and relaxation. You can implement Pilates and matcha into your daily wellness practice without needing complex methods. The key element is to dedicate moments which focus on well-being.

Practicing Pilates and drinking matcha extend beyond social media, fitness, and nutrition! They provide you with opportunities to bring mindfulness into all of your life activities, and honestly, don’t we all want that? The combination of these practices establishes a wellness system which unites physical power with inner peace to create deliberate self-care moments throughout your day. Incorporating Pilates and matcha into your daily routine will help you develop physical health and mental well-being, leading to a balanced lifestyle of clarity and mindfulness through small stretches and sips!

References

Better Health Channel. Pilates health benefits. Better Health Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/pilates-health-benefits

Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August). Matcha: A look at possible health benefits. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/matcha-a-look-at-possible-health-benefits

Waomatcha. (2024, May 10). Pilates and WAO Matcha latte. Instagram post. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6yq7BQiWgL/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet