“You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be.”
David Viscott

Self-esteem is closely connected to self-image, which is how we see ourselves. Exercise improves our emotions and makes us feel better about ourselves, improving this self-image. We feel more deserving and thus have increased self-esteem. Few people realize that low self-esteem can contribute to their desire to exercise. Numerous studies indicate that individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to engage in exercise regularly. It is also important to note that the implementation of a consistent, long-term exercise programme has the effect of increasing self-esteem so the two are very dependent on one another. In general, individuals with high self-esteem are convinced of their ability to succeed in a given endeavour. This includes participating in an exercise programme. The problem is that individuals that regularly participate in exercise are more likely to continue doing so while those with low self-esteem are much less likely. It is very much a catch-22 situation. The more you exercise the higher your self-esteem and the more likely you will continue. The less you exercise, the lower your self esteem and the less likely you will exercise. For many people who want to lose weight, they think that losing a few kilos will help them feel better about themselves and they see exercise as a means to that end. But exercise has a powerful effect on overall well-being and though you can certainly lose weight, the increase in self-esteem has more to do with being more active rather than losing those few kilos. There’s no doubt that feeling comfortable with whom you are and how you look is an important part of self-esteem. But the more you learn about the roots of self-esteem, the clearer it becomes that what helps the most has very little to do with achieving some abstract ideal, like a certain weight or look. In fact, there are many instances where people work very hard on goals like losing weight – and even achieve them – only to find that they’re still unsatisfied and unhappy. What does seem to have a major, positive effect on self-esteem is the process
of movement and exercise, which will help you meet those goals. It is a case where the journey is more important than the destination and the journey is ongoing. Exercise is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. If you are carrying a lot of negative thoughts in the form of poor self-esteem, negative body image, or even body-rejection due to excess weight, then exercising may be your shortest, fastest, and easiest path away from these problems.
Once you start a workout programme, you’ll soon experience the positive changes in self-esteem and body image that regular exercisers of all shapes and sizes enjoy.

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Here are a few quotes by the man Joseph Pilates himself:

“The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.”

-Joseph Pilates, letter to clients, 1939

Pilates helps your body stay young, fit, and full of vitality. As Joe himself once said, “With body, mind, and spirit functioning perfectly as a coordinated whole, what else could reasonably be expected other than an active, alert, disciplined person.”

- Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology

“Patience and Persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor.”

- Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology

“The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being mental calm, and spiritual peace are priceless to their possessors….[and] it is only through Contrology that this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained.”

- Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology

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