Pilates 101
To love Pilates and to reap maximum results, one must understand Joseph Pilates six principles. These principles explain most of what you need to know as a participant and as an instructor. In order to perform each movement with maximum results, take a moment to read about the key principles of Pilates.
Centering: all of the movements done in Pilates originate from the center of your body. Your core, or power house, is what supports our internal organs and hold them in. By using these muscles initiate each movement you will inevitably strengthen them.
Concentration: harder than it sounds. Use your mind to focus on each area of your body and control your muscles with your will. Absolutely the key element in the phrase ” mind-body connection”
Control: every movement is done deliberately and with muscle control. No movement should be done lazily. The control comes from your core.
Precision: each movement in Pilates has a purpose. It is better to perfect one movement than perform all of them imperfectly. Pay attention to every aspect of each movement in order to get the intrinsic value of the exercise.
Fluidity: unlike many exercises performed in today’s gyms, Pilates incorporates only smooth, fluid movements. There are no jerky, isolated movements and each transition from one movement to another should be done with the grace of a dance.
Breath: Joseph Pilates believed than his exercises cleansed the body of old stale air by employing full and deep breathes in and out. This practice oxygenates the blood and rejuvenates the body. Many teachers use the phrase “wring out your lungs” to emphasize the need to fully exhale.
These six principles take time to incorperate into your workout. Start with one key principle at a time and focus on it until it is second nature. Then move on to a new one. You will find that in a matter of a weeks, all the elements for a full Pilates workout are second nature to you and you will be achieving maximum results with each workout. Good luck!
