The Principles of Pilates

The Principles of Pilates



While many people think that Pilates is just another exercise routine, there is a bit more to it than that. It's not just all jumping jacks and push-ups, but a series of movements that are designed to help bring circulation through the whole body. It was developed late in the era of World War II and was designed to help people correct problems with their posture and rehabilitate injuries.



There are six basic principles of Pilates that few people know about, but those who practice Pilates must keep these principles in mind at all times, as a way to help bring fluidity and purpose to their movements.



Pilates exercises helps people gain control over their body and their mind, leading to a healthier well-being and a more confident, self-assured self.



Centering

Centering is the first principle of Pilates. This has to do with centering your energy and bringing strength from the core of your body. Without centering, Pilates exercises have no purpose or form and that is the whole idea behind Pilates in the first place.



Control

All Pilates exercises are done with complete control. Muscular control is the key to making the Pilates exercises work. Each exercise is down slowly and deliberately, not just letting your limbs flail to and fro with a weight in one hand.



Concentration

It is important to have as much of your attention centered on your exercises as humanly possible. Concentrating on your body and bringing power from the center or core of your body brings you the best results you can achieve from a given exercise.



Precision

Precision and control are closely related. Without the proper precision and alignment there is no purpose to Pilates exercises. There is a way that every exercise must be done just so, and proper precision ensures that you get the maximum results from your exercises.



Flow

Fluidity is the key to Pilates exercises. It is a graceful set of exercises that connects every part and every area of the body and grace and control are important. This is what makes Pilates equipment like the Pilates Reformer so important, as they help to maximize flow and control.



Breathing

Breathing is the only way to get oxygen into the bloodstream, and people tend to hold their breath when exercising. Pilates advocates full use of the lungs-deep, strong breaths are just as important to Pilates exercises as strong muscles.



The six principles of Pilates are no stone set in the ground by any means, but they are a guide to helping regular people understand what Pilates exercises are all about. They help people be mindful of their bodies and their minds with their exercise, making for a healthier and stronger body.