First Three Principles Of Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise that emphasises core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. The foundational principles of Pilates guide practitioners in achieving the most effective and safe workout. Three of these principles are concentration, control, and centring.

Concentration is the mental focus and awareness you bring to your Pilates practice. This principle emphasizes the importance of being present and fully engaged in each movement. Concentration ensures that you are mindful of how your body is moving, the muscles being used, and your breathing. By concentrating, you can perform exercises with precision and avoid injuries.

Concentration is often the most difficult of the principles. There is so much to remember in each exercise. Knowing what to focus on and listening to the cues in class will help improve your focus.

Why it matters: Enhances the effectiveness of each exercise, improves body awareness, and helps in achieving the correct form and alignment.

Control involves maintaining proper form and executing movements with purpose and precision. In Pilates, each exercise is performed with intention, ensuring you move with control rather than momentum. This principle helps build strength and stability.

As you start to tire out in class, control can feel difficult to maintain. But it's at exactly this time that mastering your control, working within your limits can help you through exercises.

Why it matters: Prevents injuries, ensures the correct muscles are engaged, and aids balance and coordination. It helps in achieving the desired results from the workout by emphasizing quality over quantity.

Centring refers to the concept of initiating all movements from the body's core, often referred to as the "powerhouse." The core includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks. Pilates exercises are designed to strengthen and stabilise this central area, providing a strong foundation for all movements.

Moving from the centre makes everything easier. We know that anything moving away from our torso makes balance more challenging. Try standing on one leg with your arms down - then try the same exercise with your arms out to the side. The second version will be slightly more difficult simply because yoru body can't pull everything into the centre.

Why it matters: Builds a strong and stable core, which is crucial for overall body strength, balance, and posture. Helps in performing daily activities and other forms of exercise more effectively.

Following these principles leads to improved strength and movement. The stronger, well aligned you are, the more you can achieve in each class.