What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of core muscle conditioning that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920's. Embraced early on by dancers in the United States, Pilates has become a mainstream fitness movement. Joseph Pilates regarded his system as a way to integrate the mind, body and spirit into a single, elegant functioning  system. Pilates is based on the following principles;

Centering

Focusing the attention on the center point of the body, found in the middle of the pelvis just in front of the sacrum. This area is called the Dan-Tien in Tai Chi and the Hara in yoga. Centering is achieved by engaging the deep pelvic muscles and pulling them in and up to accentuate the feeling of reaching along this center line, also similar ti root lock or mula banda practiced in yoga. Movement unfolds from the inside out.

Concentration

"Concentrate on the correct movements each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and lose all the vital benefits of their value." - J. Pilates
An exercise done poorly ultimately hurts you, instead of helping you. Concentration is required to continue to observe the quality of movement during a class or session.

Control

Control comes with concentration. When you can focus you attention on the movement, you can more easily control the alignment of th body, and ensure that the movement is cosncious, as opposed to mindless movement which often leads to injury. Control also refers to knowing when you need to rest, instead of pushing through the exercise.

Precision

Precision is the aspect of understanding the optimal mechanics of the body and guiding your movements along the correct alignment for the best results. "Correctly executed and mastered to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities."  - J. Pilates

Breath

Integrating free and fluid breath with the movements helps to focus concentration and aids in keeping the awareness open to observe the quality of movement. The breath is also a good guage as to the level of difficulty of an exercise. If you are holding your breath, you may be working too hard.

flow

The full integration of all these concepts creates a flow within the movements. Continuous movement also helps to create flexibility and stamina.

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure." Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates and William John Miller