What is Pilates ?

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What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of body conditioning which involves exercising the  body and mind. Pilates is a technique which was developed to improve  functional strength and flexibility leading to better body alignment  without increasing muscular bulk.

The Pilates quality of movement is more  important than performing ever increasing numbers of repetitions; this  is achieved by the application of six principles:

• Breathing
• Concentration
• Control
• Centring
• Precision
• Flow.
• Breathing An efficient  breathing technique is developed, to efficiently oxygenate tissues,  improve concentration and gain maximum benefit from the exercises .
• Concentration. The key  element to connecting mind and body during the exercise period. Pilates  believed that all of our actions originate in the mind, which means that  concentration, and focus on the exercise will increase performance and  body awareness. This is also helpful in gaining relaxation and stress  reduction.
• Control. If the  exercises are performed slowly with perfect control the risk of injury  will be minimised and maximum benefit gained. Every Pilates exercise has  a specific purpose and should be performed correctly with control .
• Centring. Pilates  referred to the muscles in the centre of the body the 'Powerhouse',  consisting of the abdomen, pelvic floor, lower back, hips and buttocks.  Concentrating on strengthening these muscles supports the spine and  improves posture. All energy for Pilates exercises starts at the centre  and flows out to the furthest parts of the body. This provides a strong  foundation for everyday movements and activities.
• Precision. All Pilates  exercises have a purpose and to improve their quality, must be carried  out with absolute precision. This precision helps to improve posture and  re-align the muscles . It is better to carry out a few exercises  properly than many which are not accurately executed.
• Flow. Pilates exercises  should be performed with fluidity in order to gain benefit in terms of  mind and body developement. There are no static movements, because our  bodies are meant to function continuously and gracefully. Exercise  should be performed slowly and elegantly.

The application of these principles over  time will help to improve balance, co-ordination, relaxation, posture  and body awareness to cope with the demands of everyday life. Pilates is  functional and can be of benefit to many people at different levels,  depending upon their individual capabilities, needs and future goals.

Incorporate the principles of Pilates :

Learn the steps then thebreathing, next concentrate on your body moving with control ,initiating the movements from your centre. Work with precision to establish flow.

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