Pilates is an exercise practice first developed by Joseph Pilates and is designed to strengthen your core, your back, and promote overall physical and mental health.
"The goal of Pilates, originally called Contrology, …is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind and the ability to perform life’s daily activities with zest and ease."
- Joseph Pilates
Practicing Pilates requires repetition and consistency to execute properly. Because Pilates is a precise style of movement, there are many people who worry they may be practicing incorrectly.
Today, we are going to explore the 6 principles of Pilates — concentration, control, centering, precision, breath, and flow. You can follow these 6 guiding principles to determine if you are getting the most out of your Pilates class in Pittsburgh. Let’s take a look at the 6 major tenets of Pilates so you can get a better idea if you’re doing your Pilates movements correctly.
Concentration
If you’re struggling with your Pilates class in Pittsburgh, start by working on your concentration
When you begin incorporating Pilates into your exercise routine, you will probably notice that the practice requires more focus than other forms of exercise. This brings us to our first principle of Pilates — concentration.
Joseph Pilates stressed the difference between concentration and merely paying attention to your movement. To completely concentrate on your practice, you need to be present in each movement and allow your mind to precisely control your body. That means thoughts of the past and future should not interfere with your practice. With concentration, you are focusing on the connection between your mind and body. Joseph Pilates said, “it is the mind that guides the body,” and thus you have to concentrate throughout to get the most out of the workout.
Control
With proper concentration, you can direct your focus toward controlling your movements
Romana used to say that Pilates is about stretch, strength, and control — with control being most important. In fact, Pilates was originally named “Contrology.” Correct movements require the kind of mind/body synchronicity that can only be attained through concentration. By using your mind (concentration) to control your body at your Pilates class in Pittsburgh, you will start to see the benefits of your practice in your everyday life. Those who practice Pilates feel better by focusing on mindfulness in their movements.
Centering
Finding your center is the core of your practice
Pilates strengthens your core, or what we call your “powerhouse.” The powerhouse includes your abdominal muscles, lower back, and bottom. The method teaches you to move from your powerhouse (the center of your body) which strengthens your abdominals, hips, and back muscles. These muscles are then better able to support your spine and improve your posture, the way you walk, move, and your overall well being.
Precision
Small, precise movements are the key to gaining strength during Pilates classes in Pittsburgh
By working with a comprehensively trained Romana’s Pilates certified instructor at Touchstone Pilates you will notice changes in your body after just one session! However, your results from Pilates are determined by how often and how consistently you train. The work is found through the mastery of small, precise movements over time and with individual attention from your Pilates instructor.
Breath
Controlling your breath helps you better control your body
Breathing is key to life and your Pilates practice. Controlling your breath is one of the most important skills you can learn during your practice. Most people don’t realize that they hold their breath when exercising. Pilates encourages deep, full breaths to help you move more freely. Learning to breathe deeply and mindfully improves your mental and physical health.
Flow
Your flow encompasses all of the 6 Pilates principles
When you are concentrating, breathing properly, and precisely controlling your movements, you will achieve what is called flow. Flow occurs when you are moving gracefully through the exercises, not only during your Pilates class in Pittsburgh, but also in your everyday life. By consistently practicing, repeating, and flowing through the movements you attain precision and flow, improved strength, flexibility, and balance.
There is almost nothing more rewarding and exciting than seeing results from your workouts. At Touchstone Pilates, we work with you to find a consistent schedule based on what you want to achieve and can afford. Our team of expert instructors teaching Pilates classes in Pittsburgh will work with you to understand your goals, schedule, and budget to ensure that you see results. Schedule a free consultation with our Touchstone Pilates team to discuss the path to living a balanced and healthier life.
