Principles of Pilates

Being familiar of some of these techniques and functions will help you to be more connected to your body - in and out of the studio.

Precision

Every exercise should be performed with precision and an emphasis upon proper form. Therefore, proper starting position and posture is crucial as well as performing the exercises slowly without momentum.

Concentration

Place intentional focus on every movement. You will feel each exercise more if you close your eyes, once you become more familiar with the movements. After breast cancer surgery, you may lose the ability to feel if muscles are working properly. Closing your eyes will help in this process to listen to your body and refocus your mind upon proper body movement.

Relaxation

Breathing assists with the relaxation of muscles throughout the body. Unwanted tension should be released prior to beginning the exercises. You may work one body part and relax the others.

Breathing

Breathing oxygenates the blood and connects the mind and body. Breathing during Pilates will enhance your relaxation, improve your focus, and help to activate your muscles. Pilates breathing is called “rib cage breathing” or costal breathing as the rib cage expands as you inhale and knits together as you exhale. Coordinating the breath with the movement is the goal.

Centering

In Pilates, all movements come from the “powerhouse,” or core abdominal muscles. Learning to use the powerhouse correctly will improve your posture, stabilize the spine, and improve your quality of movement. Thus, every exercise is an abdominal exercise. Visualizing a corset around the waist will help you to activate these muscles.

Whole Body Movement

The whole body is engaged through breathing, engagement of the core, and use of the arms and legs (even though some exercises will not use the arms at all).

Control

To be in control means that you maintain the proper form, alignment, and effort during the exercise. You don’t want to throw your body around. If there is jerkiness, shaking, tightness and/or pain you are not in control. You can limit the movement and make it smaller if necessary to regain control.

Balanced Muscle Development

Everything that is done on one side of the body must also be done on the other side. For example, if you do an exercise with your right arm, you must also do it with your left.

Rhythm/Flow

All movements in Pilates are done with a sense of rhythm. The movements should be graceful and smooth.

Nurture your connection to your body with every mindful movement. We're here to guide you gently, at your pace, every step of the way. Contact us or schedule your Pilates session today.