The Principles
Concentration
Control
Centering
Flow
Precision
Breathing
Concentration
Perform the exercises with the correct mindful intent and focus on the process of deepening awareness into the movement. It is better to do one repetition correctly, completely and with control, than many without.
While working out your our mind must be completely concentrated on the goal of the exercise, this is essential to a correct execution. It is necessary to pay attention to each single movement because every part of the body is important and nothing must be neglected.
CONCENTRATION / CONTROL / CENTERING / FLOW / PRECISION / BREATHING
CONCENTRATION / CONTROL / CENTERING / FLOW / PRECISION / BREATHING
Control
Movement is never random. Thanks to concentration, we must be able to completely control any movement. During the exercise we are executing, we should not only keep under control the movement of the interested articulation but also the position of the head, neck, arms, fingers, shoulders, back, pelvis, legs, feet and even the toes! With control, not only we avoid incorrect position or injuries but we also reach one of the primary goal of Pilates. Let’s just think, in fact, that the original name of the technique was Contrology, that is to say the art of control.
Centering
Explore and understand the importance of initiating the movement from a stable source and learn how to stabilise through opposition of movement.The powerhouse is the heart of the Pilates technique: by strengthening this area we achieve the correct posture which represents the right balance between the forces, the centre of gravity.
Flow
Let the movement flow at the right speed.
The exercises should never be executed rigidly or tensely, they must have the right speed, neither too rapid nor too slow. In each movement, one must find harmony, grace and fluidity.
Pilates was a keen observer of the animal behaviour, their muscles – those of the cats, for example – move at the ideal pace because they constantly stretch and relax and they are developed and work evenly. With that idea in mind, the workout will have to be conceived and programmed: final result – says Pilates – will be like a car ride with an expert driver, you will not be worrying anymore about the street but just enjoying the landscape along the ride.
Precision
It is all in the details. Pay attention to the optimal alignment of the body as a whole. Practice a keen awareness while performing the required action
Breathing
Deepen your understanding of the importance of exhalation to stimulate breathing, facilitate core support and intensify movement. Breath equal life!
Breathing is the soul of any exercise. Smooth and complete inhalation and exhalation are essential part of the execution of any Pilates exercise, they must be correctly coordinated to the movement one is performing and, for that reason, each exercise is always accompanied by the instructions for a correct breathing.
