Self-Care Saturday: Embracing the Doorway Effect in Pilates Practice

Each doorway represents a chance to pause, reset, and move forward with awareness.

Happy Self-Care Saturday, fellow Pilates teachers! Today, let's explore a fascinating concept known as the "doorway effect" and how it can inform our teaching and personal practice.

Understanding the Doorway Effect

Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly forgotten why you entered? This common experience is attributed to the "doorway effect," a psychological phenomenon where crossing a physical threshold, like a doorway, can cause a brief lapse in memory. Research suggests that our brains compartmentalise events, and transitioning through doorways signals the end of one event and the beginning of another, prompting a mental reset .

Applying the Concept to Pilates

In our Pilates sessions, we can harness the doorway effect to enhance mindfulness and presence. Consider the entrance to your studio or the start of a class as a symbolic doorway. Encourage your clients to use this transition as an opportunity to leave behind external distractions and focus entirely on their bodies and breath.

Practical Tips for Pilates Teachers

• Mindful Beginnings: Start each session with a brief grounding exercise, such as focused breathing or gentle stretching, to help clients mentally transition into the practice space.

• Environmental Cues: Design your studio environment to support this mental shift. Elements like calming colours, soft lighting, and minimal clutter can signal a change in context and promote focus.

• Encourage Awareness: Remind clients to notice their movements and sensations as they transition between exercises, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body.

Personal Practice and Reflection

As teachers, it's equally important to apply these principles to our own practice. Use the act of entering your studio or beginning your personal workout as a cue to become fully present. Acknowledge any thoughts or concerns, then gently set them aside to focus on the movement and breath.

By consciously embracing the transitions in our physical spaces and routines, we can cultivate a more mindful and effective Pilates practice. Let's use this Self-Care Saturday to reset our minds, honour our bodies, and deepen our connection to the present moment.