Pilates Self-Care Saturday: Pets, Pilates and the Pursuit of Peace

When your studio buddies have fur and remind you to stay present and playful.

When we talk about self care, the usual go tos often include a long bath, a nourishing meal, or time on the mat. But for many of us, there’s another deeply comforting presence that supports our wellbeing: our pets.

Whether it’s a cat weaving through your legs as you do a roll down, or a dog claiming the centre of your mat mid session, pets have become not only part of our homes but part of our practice, especially in this era of Zoom classes and home studios. They're not just occasional distractions; they're our constant companions, our co regulators, and, dare I say, part of our Pilates family.

For those of us who live with these furry beings, we know they’re more than just pets. They are family. They each come with their own quirks, routines, and emotional intelligence. Some quietly observe our practice, while others demand to be right in the middle of it. And though they may interrupt our flow, they also remind us to smile, breathe, and take things a little less seriously.

When we consider the five pillars of health

• Nutrition

• Exercise

• Sleep

• Hydration

• Mental wellbeing

So perhaps it’s time we consider a sixth: Connection, especially with animals. Because pets don't just support our mental wellbeing, they enhance it. They reduce stress hormones. They give structure to our days. They offer touch, loyalty, and presence in a way that is profoundly grounding.

As Pilates teachers and practitioners, we often speak about balance, of muscles, of breath, of energy. But there’s also emotional balance, the kind that comes from knowing you're not alone. Pets follow us around, sleep next to us, and greet us with joy no matter the kind of day we’ve had. They don’t care if we’re in active wear or still in pyjamas. Their love is unconditional. And that brings peace, the kind of peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

I know personally, when I travel, it’s my pets I miss most. Their absence creates a gap. A silence. And it’s a reminder of how deeply they are woven into my routines, my rest, and my sense of home.

So this Self Care Saturday, if you’re lucky enough to have a pet, give them an extra cuddle. Let them share your mat. Let them walk alongside you on your daily stroll. And maybe even thank them, for being a steady, calming presence in this beautifully busy life.

Because sometimes, the best kind of self care has four legs and a tail.