Pilates Principles

Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s “core” or “powerhouse” (torso).  If you do Pilates regularly, you will develop better posture, be less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.

The essence of Pilates is found in six principles that make up the foundation on which Pilates is built: breathing, centering, control, concentration, fluidity and precision. Their application to the Pilates method of exercise is part of what makes it unique in the fitness world.  These basic principles infuse each exercise with intention and fullness of expression:

• Breathing: Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated thinking of the lungs as a bellows – using them strongly to pump the air fully in and out of the body. Proper breathing creates endurance and energy, while encouraging relaxation.

• Centering: Physically bringing the focus to the center of the body, the powerhouse area between the lower ribs and pubic bone, results in a stable pelvis. A balanced pelvis will support the lumbar spine and keep the feet and legs in alignment.

• Control: Pilates is best described as a combination of stretch and strength with control. When body and mind operate together, a movement is executed most effectively by using control. Every Pilates exercise is done with complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices.

• Concentration: Concentration is the focus needed to achieve quality movements. If one brings full attention to the exercise and does it with full commitment, you are able to visualize a movement and carry it out to the best of your body’s ability.

• Fluidity: Pilates exercise is done in a flowing manner. Smooth and agile movements create an even, flowing routine that is performed without rushing. Fluidity, grace, and ease are goals applied to all exercises. The energy of an exercise connects all body parts and flows through the body in an even way.

• Precision: In Pilates, each movement must be precise due to the fluid nature of the Pilates routine. In Pilates, quality rules over quantity. Thus, fewer precise movements produce the greatest results.

The Pilates principles may sound a bit abstract, but the integration of these principles accounts for the balance, grace, and ease that one can experience as a result of practicing Pilates.