 Pilates is a workout that will stretch, straighten and strengthen you body, with a balance between body and mind.
It is very important to understand all the principles and to be patient. Breath: “ Above all.....learn to breath correctly” I can’t stress enough about the importance of this in Pilates. It is also the most complex element to learn, but it is essential to do it right. The inhale can often be easier to learn, but one needs to take the time to develop a great inhale and exhale. If the breathing pattern is not made correctly it will restrict your move, and it will also make us more likely to pick injuries. A correct exhale will stabilize your pelvis and that in return will keep your spine in neutral. This is crucial as we build and strengthen our bodies. As a general rule, we inhale to prepare for the movement and exhale as we execute it, particularly through the more difficult parts. We inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Always breathing deeply and fully. Concentration: There are no mindless or careless moves in Pilates. During each part of every movement you should be conducting an internal dialogue, directing your body through the exercise. Concentrating on what’s correct and what’s not. Feel your body. What can you improve? This is why it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or advanced, the better you get the more you are expecting from yourself. There is always room for improvement. Control: Joseph Pilates called his method “Contrology” or “The art of control” Pilates requires the complete control of your body by your mind. Every motion you perform should be meticulously calculated and planned for. In this way the Pilates method reduces the risk of injury. Centring: Your centre is the foundation for all your movements. No movement occurs without a strong and stable centre. So each and every exercise focuses on strengthening the centre. Centre = wide band of the midsection from your navel around your lower back. Precision: Precision will bring each exercise from superficial to intense. Focus on completing each exercise as perfectly as possible rather than just executing the movement. Flow: Each move shall have a continuous flow, often combined with your breathing. Also try to interlink the next exercise together with the previous one. This will improve concentration, control, coordination and balance. Pilates body in motion The Pilates Barn Kristina Leddy
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