Having ADHD sometimes feels like having 50 tabs open in my head at the same time: Some make noise, others take forever to load, and a few I've never even consciously opened. My mind is constantly jumping back and forth, my to-do list seems like an insurmountable mountain - and the constant background noise is just exhausting. But there is something that helps me to press the pause button for a moment: Pilates.

For me, Pilates is not just a workout - it is an experience for body and mind. It's about control, precision and being consciously in the moment. And that's exactly what's really good for me with my ADHD. That's why Pilates is now an integral part of my week - and here you can find out why:

Practicing focus - without it feeling like practicing

With ADHD, it is difficult to stay in the here and now. With Pilates, however, there is almost no other way: every movement requires concentration - on the body, on breathing, on the sequence. Autopilot? Not a chance. Instead of chaos in your head, there is suddenly calm. No brooding, no inner rushing. Just focus. And the best thing is that this attention training also helps me in everyday life - at work, when organizing, when persevering.

Turn down the noise in your head

My brain is constantly churning out thoughts - to-dos, memories, worries, song lyrics from sixth form... It just never stops. But in the middle of a Pilates class - during "The Hundred" or "Roll Up" - something happens: the focus on movement and breathing overrides the noise of thoughts. It feels like meditation in motion. Afterwards, my head is clearer, my body is calmer and my whole system is a bit unraveled.

Finally in the flow

Do you know the feeling of being so absorbed that you forget space and time? That's called flow. For many people with ADHD, this state is difficult to achieve - except for things that fascinate us immensely. Pilates gets me into this flow. The rhythm, the precise sequences and the concentration on the whole body ensure that my mind doesn't wander. I am present, alert - and suddenly focus comes very easily to me.

A natural dopamine boost

The ADHD brain often has too little dopamine - which is why we are constantly looking for something exciting and new. Pilates helps quite naturally. The structured movement promotes the release of dopamine - the happiness hormone that our brain so urgently needs. The good feeling after training? Not just sweat and endorphins - it's also exactly the kick my head is looking for to stay motivated and balanced.

Strengthen self-confidence

ADHD can feel like a daily battle with your own head - which often gnaws away at your self-worth. With Pilates, I can see that I'm making progress. I can suddenly do an exercise that was impossible last week. I notice how I'm getting stronger - not just physically, but mentally too. And that strengthens my confidence in myself.

A routine that (really) works

Routines are often difficult to follow with ADHD - but Pilates is one that works for me. It's clearly structured, but not rigid. It challenges me, but doesn't overwhelm me. The fixed weekly appointment helps me to organize my everyday life better - and gives me the energy to tackle other healthy habits.

My conclusion

Pilates is more than exercise for me - it's a real tool in dealing with my ADHD. It brings me calm when my head is spinning, focus when everything is confused and confidence when doubts arise.
If you have ADHD yourself and are looking for something to strengthen your body and mind at the same time, I highly recommend Pilates. And if you know someone who lives with ADHD - take them to a class. Maybe he or she will experience the same as me: More clarity. More calm. More self-confidence.

If you would like to learn more or simply try out Pilates, please contact one of our PILATES.CH partner studios:

Bea Eggimann – Pilates-Bern

Certified Pilates Teacher and Art of Motion Lecturer and Examination Expert

https://www.pilates-bern.ch/de/

LaBriece Ochsner – LB-Pilates Grenchen

Pilates Master Teacher and Balanced Body Senior Educator

https://lb-pilates.ch/welcome/

Michael Brunner - Spirit Studio Basel
Sports instructor and training manager Polestar Pilates Switzerland
https://www.spirit-studio.ch