Pilates Principles apply to all Pilates movements🌿

The original Principles are:

• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Centering
• Breath
• Flow

The later additions are:

• Isolation
• Routine

Pilates is about the mind as much as the body and the style and quality of movement is more important than the number of repetitions.  Concentration, Control and Precision are key for achieving a good quality Pilates practice.

Concentration is vital in Pilates in order to carry out the movements and breathing correctly and this Principle engages and focusses our mind.

As we learn how to set up and carry out the movements and exercises correctly, our mind and body learn healthy posture and how to move well and with Control and Precision.

Strengthening our core (using Centering during the exercises) helps our balance and protects our spine and internal organs.  

Pilates Breathing improves lung function and also the fresh oxygen helps our vitality and muscle and organ function, circulation and the immune system.

The combination of Pilates Breathing and some of the exercises also provides an internal massage for many vital organs, stimulating circulation and digestion. 

Flow sometimes takes some experience to fully achieve, but in time, it will happen naturally as someone learns the movements and how to carry them out using Breath and Centering.  The movements Flow until the repetition are complete or sooner if you feel that you are losing control of your centre.  

Isolation involves focusing on engaging specific muscles rather than just achieving a movement but without engaging or strengthening important muscle groups.

Routine facilitates our mind and body to learn how to improve our posture and to move better naturally. It also improves strength, flexibility and helps train our minds to focus through concentration. 

We have listed here just some of the benefits to the Pilates Principles.  The Principles also aid other sports, activities and functions in our lives! 🙂✨