Pilates Principles

Pilates is based on 6 key principles. Every exercise we perform in Pilates is based on these 6 principles. When you first start Pilates I would recommend you focus on A, B and C. Alignment, Breathing and Centre. Once you feel you have got these right and are incorporating them into every Pilates exercise you can start to bring the others.

Breathing

Correct breathing encourages oxygenation of the blood, helps relax the muscles and avoid unnecessary tension. It also focuses the mind and allows concentration on each task. Breathing out deeply can help to activate the deep abdominal muscles.

Centre

Our centre is a large group of muscles surrounding the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. By creating a strong centre all other movements can flow.

Control

We need to control our muscles from the beginning to the end of each exercise so that they are executed safely and correctly.

Concentration

Pilates is a holistic mind-body technique that requires you to be constantly aware of how you are moving, it requires you to focus on every movement that you make. This required concentration can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Alignment

Good alignment of each and every part of the body while exercising is crucial to safety and to correcting muscle imbalances. You have to be in the right position to get the right muscles working.

Flowing movement

All exercises should be executed in a smooth, non jerky way which feels fluid and natural.

And finally

Why don’t you try your A’s,B’s and C’s and let me know how you get on? You could even try them one at a time individually and then put them all together.