Pilates Ed.101

Many of us benefit from the results of Pilates-based workouts like our sweat-drenching Pilates Platinum classes, or more traditional mat classes. But even though we may practice often, we don’t necessarily take time to discuss the basic principles upon which Pilates was founded.

Here’s a little cheat sheet of the basics we like to call 

“Pilates Education 101.”

So the next time you’re wondering why a certain move is so important, or the next time your instructor uses a term you might not have previously known, hopefully you’ll be able to connect some dots with the below background knowledge and impress yourself (and your Pilates Instructor) with what you know about the principles of Pilates!

The 6 Basic Principles of Pilates

Centering. No doubt you’ve heard the term “strengthen your powerhouse” before. What this phrase is talking about is the basic principle of Centering. Pilates workouts focus on strengthening the “corset” muscles of the body, including the abdominals, pelvis, buttocks and back.

Concentration. Being able to focus your full attention on your form and the execution of each individual exercise is crucial in Pilates. You'll receive maximum benefits if your form is on point. Concentrating on every muscle group that’s working, while maintaining correct form requires full concentration to keep your mind and body connected.

Control. Concentration goes hand in hand with Control. If you’re able to fully concentrate, you’ll be able to fully control the movements. By engaging your mind to control your body, you’ll learn to use only the muscles necessary to perform the move, while allowing the rest of your body to relax.

Precision. Every movement in Pilates has a purpose. Quality over quantity. When a movement is performed well, you will accomplish maximum results.

Breath. Breathing correctly is such an important part of Pilates! Moving in tandem with your breath not only results in enhanced lung capacity and overall coordination, but it also facilitates a stronger mind-body connection. If you focus on your breath while performing an exercise, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish, and how much strength you actually have. Use your breath and push yourself.

Flow. Every movement in a Pilates workout is part of a flow. The entire exercise is meant to be performed with the grace and ease of a dancer-- it’s a gentle and challenging workout with each movement flowing into the next, providing you with a phenomenal cross-training workout.

"In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a new body." – Joseph Pilates