Pilates – The Core (and core values)
The Pilates exercise regime is based on what is called ‘core’ strength. This relates to the main muscles that sit within the abdominal wall and support and surround our backbone/spine.
By strengthening these pivotal muscle groups we stabilize our whole body, specifically when it comes to posture.
The fact that our posture is correct relieves multiple symptoms and end results of poor posture – back problems and pain for example.
Small wonder then that professional dancers and athletes from a myriad of sports swear by the Pilates exercise method.
While yoga might be seen as exercise combined with meditation, Pilates combines exercise techniques with breathing – but the breathing techniques are there to boost the exercise aspect of the regime.
The six recognized principles of Pilates are these:
Centering: Physically bringing the focus to the center of the body, the powerhouse area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Energetically, Pilates exercises are sourced from the center.
Concentration: If one 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: In Pilates, 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.
Breath: Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated 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 exercise is 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. Pilates equipment, like the reformer, are very good mirrors of one’s flow and concentration as they tend to bang around and suddenly become quite “machine-like” if one loses ones control and flow.
Many of my friends combine Pilates and Yoga successfully but tell me that they do each discipline separately – there is no marriage between the two even though they share much in common.
Related posts:
- Yoga and meditation
- 8 Minute Meditation: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life.
- What Is The Best Yoga Clothing?
Filed Under: Featured • Pilates • Yoga Equipment
