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The Positive effects of the Pilates Principles

While Pilates has become a “new trend” in the fitness world, less people realize that Pilates has been around for almost one hundred years. Created by Joseph H. Pilates, his philosophy was to focus on training the mind and the body toward the goal of overall fitness. He believed that the goal of overall fitness could be accomplished by constantly striving to “acquire strong, healthy bodies and develop our minds to the limit of our ability.” The positive effects of Pilates come from its principles. The use of the principles in each exercise results in a uniformly developed body. The following is a description of the Pilates principles to use as a guide during a Pilates workout.

Concentration: The practice of Pilates stimulates the mind-body connection. We become aware of bodies during Pilates practice.  Being mindful of each movement addresses the process of realigning the body and brings about change.

Imagination: Using visual images is a very effective way of engaging the mind and body.  Visual imaging is a relatively new concept in the fitness world, but it is the most effective. By using visual images you are able to subconsciously call upon the use of your muscles and bones without needing technical knowledge of their functions.  Movements will become second nature which enables you to focus on fine tuning those movements.  Joseph Pilates believed that proper movements should become as natural to a person as they are to an animal.  For example, when a cat raises itself off the ground it stretches its whole body from its head all the way to its claws. As humans we tend to focus on one area of our bodies rather than utilizing all of our muscles. Visual imaging helps us bring the awareness in Pilates movements to our daily activities which helps us attain and maintain uniform development.

Center: All energy for the Pilates exercises initiates from the powerhouse and flows outward to the extremities.  Staying grounded and keeping a calm center not only allows for the use of coordinated movements but also builds a foundation upon which we can rely upon in daily living.

Fluidity: What is so unique about Pilates is that its movements are flowing and not static. The connecting of movement to movement creates a continuous motion and allows for the proper recruitment of the muscles.

Precision:  Every movement in the Pilates method has a purpose.  By focusing on precise movements the Pilates work becomes meaningful and not halfhearted. Executing the Pilates exercises with precision provides the maximum benefits for each muscle.

Breath:  Breath is the link between body, mind and spirit.  “Breathing is the first act of life, and the last…….above all learn how to breathe correctly,” Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology.  Pilates designed his method to cleanse the bloodstream through oxygenation.  Breathing also fuels the powerhouse and helps control the movements during the Pilates exercises.

The practice of Pilates is empowering and leads to well-being. 

Joseph Pilates believed that to achieve true happiness it is imperative to gain mastery of your body.  “If at the age of thirty you are stiff and out of shape, then you are old. If at the age of sixty you are supple and strong, then you are young.”  By using the above principles in Pilates practice you achieve strength, flexibility, grace of movement and above all a greater enjoyment of life.

                        Patricia Doyle-Stahl,

                        Certified Pilates Instructor