The Pilates method is divided into 9 principles, all of which are used throughout a session/class.
The first of these principles is CONCENTRATION and the awareness that allows you to focus the mind on what the body is doing. With concentration comes CONTROL, we must allow our neuro-muscular connections to guide us through movements that are not sloppy but performed with integrity.
By CENTERING the body we find control. In Pilates all movements are initiated from the centre and move outwards. Stabilizing from the deep abdominal and spinal muscle allows us to become very powerful and is a very safe and effective place for starting movement.
Diaphragmatic BREATHING/ lateral breathing (into the posterior ribcage) re oxygenates the blood and helps with aligning the body. We always start from a very Neutral position in Pilates ensuring correct POSTURAL ALIGNMENT of the skeleton. If one muscle or bone is out of place the whole structure is effected, whether you are sitting, standing, laying or walking.
When we have mastered the exercises one movement will FLOW beautifully into the next with PRECISION.
STAMINA will build and resistance and intensity can be added. The endurance of the deep and superficial stabilizing muscles is challenged whilst maintaining the integrity of the spine without sacrificing technique. If we induce RELAXATION as a starting point with Pilates, the body is less likely to be injured.
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