Principles of Pilates

Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. These six principles are the foundation of the Pilates approach to exercise. Their application to the Pilates method of exercise is part of what makes it unique in the fitness world.

 

Centering: Physically bringing the focus to the centre of the body, the powerhouse area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Energetically, Pilates exercises are sourced from the centre.

 

 

 

Concentration: As the practitioner brings full attention to the exercise and does it with full commitment, maximum value will be obtained from each movement. 

 

 

 

 

Control: Every Pilates exercise is done with complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices.

 

 

 

 

 

Precision: Awareness is sustained throughout each movement. There is an appropriate placement, alignment relative to other body parts and trajectory for each part of the body.

 

 

 

 

 

Breathing: Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocates thinking of the lungs as a bellows-using them strongly to pump the air fully in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises coordinate with the breath, and using the breath properly is an integral part of Pilates exercise.

 

 

 

 

Flow: Pilates exercises are done in a flowing manner. Fluidity, grace, and ease are goals applied to all exercises. The energy of an exercise connects all body parts and flows through the body in an even way.