The Principles Behind Pilates
Pilates is based on a number of principles, all of which feature in exercises whether you're learning in a class or at home with a DVD. Though not all exercise classes may emphasise the principles explicitly, they underlie each and every part of your exercise. It's useful to have an understanding of what they are in order to get the most you possibly can from your exercise.
Development of the Pilates Principles
The principles behind Pilates are what makes it unique from other forms of exercise. However, these principles weren't originally laid out by Joseph Pilates. Over time, instructors have interpreted his work and developed the principles as guidance for the way exercises should be performed.
Principles will also differ from instructor to instructor. Don't be surprised if you read a Pilates teaching book, and later get lessons, to find that they differ slightly. There is no firm agreement as to the order of the principles or the exact name for the principles.
However, one thing that all teachers of Pilates will have in common is that they believe the exercises to focus on the body, mind and spirit.
The main principles are usually described as follows:
Concentration: This means that you should put your full attention onto the exercise you're currently performing. This will help you to get the best physical and spiritual value from what you're doing.
Centring: Focusing on the centre of your body in the a physical way. This is the area that lies between the pubic bone and the lower ribs. Exercises will be based on this central area of the body.
Control: All exercises need to be performed with complete control of the muscles. This strongly relates to concentration, and means that every part of the body is controlled and focused on.
Breath: In the original works by Joseph Pilates, full breath was recognised as being important to the exercise. This means that air needs to be pumped fully in and out of the body during movements. You will find that most exercises are coordinated to fit with each breath you take in and out.
Flow: This means that each exercise should flow gracefully, and easily, both throughout the exercises and through all areas of the body during exercise.
Precision: Related to all of the principles listed above, concentration and awareness are key to Pilates exercise. This means that each area of the body moves in the way that it should, and in the right position relative to other parts of the body.
These principles guide all exercises with Pilates. They sound abstract when listed, but they will start to make a lot more sense once you actually start to practice. At first it may not be easy to remember each one of the principles. However, with time, it's possible to perform all exercises with ease and grace.
It's important to keep these basic principles in mind throughout your exercise: eventually they will become second nature.
