Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates, used to be a sickly and weak child. Over the years as he trained and got stronger to cope with his health issues, he realized what worked and what didn’t when it came to health and fitness.
Pilates is a form of exercise based on what works in the real world. Unlike many gym classes such as kickboxing which looks good and makes you perspire but isn’t all that effective in a real fight… with Pilates, you actually have an exercise that will strengthen your body and develop your mind and body connection like no other.
Pilates actually works. Most people have a tough time with their first Pilates class. Their bodies just cannot handle the exercises due to all the imbalances in the body. Through repeated sessions over time, you’ll notice that you get better and better at it.
There is only one explanation for this. You’re getting stronger and the imbalances in your body are disappearing.
In order to get the best out of your Pilates workouts, it will be good to bear in mind the following points listed below.
1 – Breathing
Focusing on your breathing is crucial. It keeps you focused so that your mind doesn’t drift off to what you’re going to eat later or what’s on TV. By focusing on your breathing rhythm, you will be able to execute the Pilates moves fluidly. A lot of Pilates is focused on your breath and awareness of what you’re doing.
2 – Concentration
In order to make the mind and body connection, you must be focused on the task at hand. Correct form is crucial and if you’re not concentrating on your posture, breathing and muscles being worked, your form will suffer.
Even if you did 5 repetitions with full concentration it would be better than doing 50 without paying attention to what you’re doing.
3 – Control
Pilates is all about control and fluidity. There is no excessive speed or explosive movements in Pilates. You concentrate on the movements and slowly execute them with proper form and alignment.
4 – Centering
All Pilates movements orginates from your core and moves outwards. So ensure that your core is engaged at all times so that you have a stable, flexible and strong base from which to execute all mobements.
5 – Preciseness
You can’t do Pilates haphazardly. This is not swimming where you can swim with poor form and still swim a distance. With Pilates, you must have precise movements executed in the most efficient manner. This comes with practice. You will develop preciseness over time and as your concentration and centering improves.
6 – Balanced Muscle Development
Pilates will develop your muscles the more you do it. You will not develop the bulky appearance of a bodybuilder, but you will have the lithe, toned body that’s often seen in dancers. Give your best during your Pilates workouts and your muscles will be strong and toned.
7 – Rhythm/Flow
As mentioned earlier, there must be flow and rhythm in your movements. The transition from movement to movement should be fluid with minimum impact or stress on your joints.
8 – Total Body Movement
Pilates works the body synergistically. It works the entire body as a whole. These are not dumbbell curls where you isolate the muscles. Pilates is about a full body-mind experience.
9 – Relaxation
While challenging, Pilates is also meant to be relaxing. Unlike weight lifting or cardi which involves gasping, panting and Herculean efforts, Pilates is all about getting fit while having a relaxed mind and body. That’s why it’s meant to be fluid and focused.
Now that you know the 9 principles, apply them to your Pilates workouts and reap the rewards. This is one of the best exercise forms out there.
