Are you gaining the true benefits of Pilates?
Many fitness studios are using the name "Pilates" these days, but are failing to provide the necessary basic elements of Pilates and selling their clients short. We want you to understand that the only way to reap the Benefits of Pilates is to actually perform the exercises with the following Principles in mind.
Concentration
“Concentrate on the correct movements EACH TIME YOU EXERCISE, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value.” –Joseph Pilates
Our mind controls our body; therefore, to do the movements properly, we must concentrate fully.
This simple practice of a 'moving meditation' is what separates Pilates from calisthentics.
Centering
“A unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit…”
–Joseph Pilates
The powerhouse (our core) is the focal point of all Pilates exercises, and all movement comes from the center- not through it.
Learn how to move properly by using the midline of the body as a reference point, and how to initiate movement from the center of the body outward toward the periphery.
Control
“Mastery of the mind over the complete control of the body.”
–Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates believed that exercising without controlling your movements would not reap the benefits of the exercises. Every movement in the method matters and is coordinated, efficient, and smooth.
To reach mastery in Pilates you must control every part of the body at all times. Think of moving with 'effortless ease'. (-which is very challenging to accomplish!)
Breathing
“To properly deflate the lungs is an art in itself, and this final step in correct breathing is least understood.”
–Joseph Pilates
The natural rhythm of our breath helps us perform the exercises with ease and fluidity.
Joseph Pilates knew that complete exhalation facilitates a full inhalation, which allows for increased oxygen supply to all cells with increased waste removal of toxins.
Precision
“Contrology is not a system of haphazard exercises designed to produce only bulging muscles.”
–Joseph Pilates
Every movement in Pilates has a purpose and provides a benefit to your body. Do you listen carefully to every cue or instruction that is given, or is the music blaring too loud? This is essential to the movement’s successful execution. Precise movement in reference to one’s own anatomy is corrective and produces significant results.
The Pilates Method uses low repetitions and a large variety of movements so that precision can be practiced without fatigue and be frequently reinforced. Practicing this principle of precision will help re-educate faulty movement patterns, allowing for proper alignment and helping to prevent injury.
Flow
“It was conceived to limber and stretch muscles and ligaments so that your body will be as supple as that of a cat.”
–Joseph Pilates
When Pilates is performed properly, it is light and fluid. The ultimate goal is to move with greater grace and ease within each exercise and also from exercise to exercise. The increased flexibility and control created by regular discipline enhances the movement possibilities and enables them to be performed with greater fluidity.
Working with Flow facilitates the functional translation of Pilates movements into daily life. Additionally, the creation of fluid movement will help to prevent trigger points from forming, as will as release those that may already exist.