Principals Of Pilates

Joseph Pilates, the creator of the pilates exercises,
claimed his method has a philosophical and theoretical
foundation. The exercises are not just a collection of
exercises, but a method developed and refined over
more than 80 years of use and observation.

The principals of centering, concentration, control,
precision, breathing and flowing movement are
comparable to those of yoga. There are some basic
principals of pilates.

One principal is mind over matter. The central aim of
pilates is to create a fusion of mind over body.
Without thinking about it, the body will move with
economy, grace and balance.

The end goal is a union of mind and body.
Practitioners believe that using the body to the
greatest advantage, making the most of its strengths,
counteracting its weakness and correcting the
imbalances within.

Breathing is also key in pilates. Breathing circulates
the blood so that it awakens the cells in the body.
They then carry away the waste that is related to
fatigue. For the blood to do its work, it needs to be
properly maintained and full of oxygen.

Centering and concentration are key in pilates.
Centering in pilates uses the abdomen, lower back,
hips and buttocks, also known as the powerhouse. This
is where all energies come from and flow outward to
the extremities.

Concentration is important because pilates demands
intense focus. Beginners need to pay close attention
to their bodies and build on delicate, small movements
and controlled breathing. Also, control and precision
are important. Every movement has a method and purpose
in pilates.