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Principles of the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning |
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The Pilates Method of body conditioning, developed by the legendary German
national Joseph Pilates, generally follows carefully laid out principles
based on a well-constructed philosophical and theoretical foundation.
Although it is considered throughout the world as a form of exercise, there
is actually much more to the Pilates Method of body conditioning than its
being an exercise. It is not merely a collection of exercises but a method,
developed and refined over more than eighty years of use and observation.
While Pilates draws from a number of diverse exercise styles, bringing the
principles of yoga, Greek and Roman ideals and Zen together, there are
basically certain ruling principles that are inherent to the Pilates Method
of body conditioning. These principles are the ones that bring all those
ideals together under the Pilates name. These include centering,
concentration, control, precision, breathing and flowing movement. Let’s
take a look at these principles one by one.
Centering
The Pilates Method of body conditioning called the group of muscles in our
center or the core, also known as the “powerhouse”. This encompasses our
abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. According to Pilates, all energy
needed for the workouts start from the powerhouse, and then flows outward to
the extremities. The physical energy is then exerted from the core to
coordinate one’s movements. In this way, a strong and potent foundation is
built upon which to rely in daily living.
Concentration
Under this principle, the Pilates Method of body conditioning requires you
to concentrate on what you are doing, all the time. Along with this, you
must also concentrate on your entire body. Once you start really to focus
and concentrate to your body, you will find a movement which may have seemed
simple at first glace, but actually quite complex.
Control
On its most basic, the Pilates Method of body conditioning teaches complete
muscle control. Sloppy and haphazard movements are not included in this
method. Instead, thorough concentration is requires so that you will be in
control of every aspect of every movement. Also, it is important to note
that this third principle does not only apply to the large motions of limbs,
but also to the position of fingers, toes and head, even the degree of
arching or flatness of the back, the turning in or out of the legs, and the
rotation of the wrists.
Precision
Every movement involved in the Pilates Method of body conditioning has a
purpose. Thus, every instruction is critically important to the success of
the whole. As what many experts often say, to leave out any detail is to
abandon the intrinsic value of the Pilates Method of body conditioning. The
main focus here is on doing one precise and perfect movement, which may
eventually become second nature and be carried over into everyday life as
economy and grace of movement.
Breathing
Full and thorough inhalation and exhalation are part of the Pilates Method
of body conditioning. Pilates, in the first place, saw forced exhalation as
the key to full inhalation. However, breathing must be done with
concentration, control and precision. It should be properly coordinated with
movement.
Fluidity
Finally, the Pilates Method of body conditioning is performed fluidly. There
is no static, isolated movement for the fact that out bodies do not
naturally function that way. Also, grace of motion must be emphasized over
speed. Ultimately, Pilates movements should feel as fluid as a waltz or a
long stride. As what the Pilates Method of body conditioning maintains,
uniformly developed muscles are the secret to good posture, natural grace
and suppleness. |
| This article
is provided courtesy of Roxanne Courtmanch. Please visit
www.thehelpingcircle.com for more articles on Pilates
as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you. |
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