Principles of Pilates
Principles of Pilates
MIND OVER MATTER - The central focus of Pilates is to create a blending of mind and body.
The body will move with grace, economy and balance without even thinking about it. The goal is to produce the union of mind and body that is totally attention-free.
BREATHING - Through proper breathing the blood is able to work properly, meaning it circulates to every cell in the
body and carries away waste related to fatigue.
You can be absolutely assured that a full and complete inhalation as well as exhalation are part of each Pilates exercise. Breathing should be done with control, precision and concentration.
CENTERING - The very large muscle group that is found in the center of one’s body is called the -powerhouse-.
All of the energy for the Pilates exercises begins from this powerhouse and flows toward the extremities.
CONCENTRATION - Pilates demands intense concentration or focus. The beginner learns to pay special observation to his or her body, building on small and delicate fundamental movements as well as controlled breathing.
PRECISION - Each movement in a Pilates exercise has a purpose. No detail should be left out. The focus is to do one precise and perfect movement and not many halfhearted ones.
CONTROL - The Pilates method is built on the premise of muscle control. That means that each Pilates exercise must
be performed with utmost control.
This will help avoid injury and produce beneficial results.
Pilates is not just a collection of exercises. It is a method that was developed and refined during its more than
eighty years of observation and use.
Joseph Pilates claimed that his exercise method has a theoretical and a philosophical foundation.
One interpretation of the Pilates Principles is that it is similar to yoga.
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