Awareness Pilates addresses incorrect movement patterns and asymmetry in the body. As with anything, we can only change what we are aware of, thus Pilates instructors are both detectives and guides in helping their clients become their best selves.
Breathing Pilates exercises are coordinated with breathing to prevent breath-holding and allow adequate oxygenation of the body. Pilates clients are encouraged to use their lung capacity optimally, often (NOT always) exhaling during the more strenuous part of an exercise to help deepen contraction of the stability muscles.
Balance Creating balance in the body is both rehabilative and preventative.
Concentration Concentration links body and mind. You will often hear the term “mindful movement” in pilates circles - a pilates client must think about how his/her body moves during exercises and the position of the body and limbs in space.
“Train your mind to control the actions of your body.” - Joseph Pilates
Centering A dynamically stable trunk is the base from which movements flow. Joseph Pilates used the term “powerhouse” when referring to the stability muscles of the trunk/centre.
Control Every exercise should be performed with thought and control. Fast and jerky movements do not bring the best results.
Efficiency The best movement patterns are those that are trained to be efficient, almost effortless.
Harmony When of muscle contractions, movement patterns, every muscle, joint, tendon working together to achieve the desired movements.
Precision If movements are practiced with thought and control, the movement will, with time, become more and more precise. Pilates clients practise to do the desired movements as perfectly as he/she can. With practice, improved body awareness, proprioception, better flexibility and greater strength and endurance will allow for very precise movements.
Flow Exercises are co-ordinated and smooth, movements are not rushed and flow in a sequential manner one after the other.
