The Principles of Pilates: Linking Mind and Body
By Deborah Slade, APOGEE Pilates Instructor
The true essence of Pilates is not its repertoire of exercises or unique pieces of apparatus, but the principles that inspired the method. They were an outgrowth of Joe Pilates’ life- long interest in anatomy, kinesiology, and diverse styles of movement—from eastern acrobatics to modern dance. “Contrology,” as his system was originally called, was the first fitness regimen in the West to acknowledge the mind-body connection and explore its potential. When you understand and apply these basic concepts, the experience of Pilates can be transformative.
The notion of centering is fundamental to every Pilates exercise. In order to increase the body’s strength and efficiency, avoid injury, and restore its natural balance, all energy and movement must emanate from the center, the “powerhouse,” and flow out to the extremities.
To develop a strong powerhouse requires stabilization, or the ability to keep particular parts of the body immobile while challenging others. Most Pilates exercises engage the deepest of the abdominals (the transverse abdominus) in order to stabilize the torso and thereby maintain a healthy spine.
The ability to control every aspect of movement is part of the challenge and the beauty of the method. On the mat, for example, ending each exercise in a controlled manner trains the muscles to maintain a lengthened state while engaging a broad range of muscles groups. Over time, this creates a lean physique and improves coordination and balance in the activities of daily life.
A Pilates workout demands total concentration in order to get muscles to respond properly. By blocking out any extraneous thoughts and deepening one’s awareness of the movement, the mind wills the body to action.
Pilates exercises were designed to flow continuously, like a finely-tuned piece of choreography. Fluidity and grace are more important than speed. This enhances the flexibility of the joints and muscles, encourages the body to lengthen symmetrically, and improves balance.
According to Joe Pilates, breathing is “the first act of life”. A full inhalation and exhalation cleanses the bloodstream of toxins and revitalizes the body’s cells. The student of Pilates learns to appreciate how exhalation, in particular, stabilizes the torso and promotes healthy posture and natural movement.
Every Pilates exercise must be performed with precision in order to realize its full value. Each has a specific purpose and is rich in details. Alignment, placement, and technique are the focus of each workout, rather than mindless repetitions.
These founding principles distinguish Pilates from other methods of body conditioning. When wholly integrated into your workout, they not only make it possible to achieve new levels of health and fitness, but they enhance every aspect of your life. At APOGEE, it happens every day!
Tags: Pilates concepts, Pilates terms, understanding Pilates
