Positive Pilates experiences to move you through stress, anxiety, and pain

One of the most common physical responses to stress and anxiety I see is my movement practice is rigidity in the Thoracic Spine (and by default, the ribcage), alongside shallow breathing patterns. When we experience stress, (and particularly chronic stress) we tend to hold our breath, brace our midsection, and restrict natural thoracic movement, creating a cycle of tension that reinforces discomfort (Van Diest et al., 2001).