Knowing the Basic Principles of Pilates is Important

There are six basic principles of Pilates and knowing them will provide you a good, solid foundation for this unique, yet effective exercise program. These six principles are part of what makes Pilates quite different from any other exercise program in the world. Joseph Pilates may have created this revolutionary program but he did not necessarily map out the six principles. They sort of developed on their own through Pilates followers.

Joseph Pilates coined the word “contrology” which he figured covered his belief that a spirit, mind and body approach to exercise was needed to ensure each movement was efficient and not wasted. The six principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flow all stem from this “contrology.” It doesn’t matter whether the Pilates exercise is being performed standing up, on a mat or on one of the pieces of equipment, the same principles apply when performing them.

Centering

Centering involves focusing on the center of your body, also called the trunk, where the core muscles reside that basically control movement for the rest of the body. From the rib cage to the pubic bone, the muscles that reside here from the back spinal muscles to the abdominal muscles are the ones that provide the most energy in movement.

Concentration

You must devote your full attention on the Pilates exercise at hand in order to succeed. Succeeding means concentrating on each movement, ensuring it is carried through fully with total commitment and not a single movement is wasted to ensure maximum efficiency.

Control

You must have complete muscle control in Pilates. This requires learning how to center your body and concentration on the movement. You do not allow any part of your body to move without your knowledge and concentration.

Precision

If you are aware of each movement you make in Pilates, taking note of the proper placement of the body part in addition to ensuring alignment of the spine and neck, you are acting with precision. With precision, no movement is wasted and there is a specific place for each body part.

Breathing

Founder Joseph Pilates believed that how you breathe during your exercises played a big role in how effective the movements were. You must use a full breath of air in your exercises, coordinating them with specific movements. Breathing properly and timing them with your movements creates better concentration and you definitely are controlling your movements with precision.

Flow

Like with some other programs like tai chi or yoga, Pilates requires fluid movement. It takes energy and concentration to breathe properly and time your movements accordingly. By conducting your body in a fluid, flowing way, the energy of the exercise binds everything together.

It may sound like a bunch of mystic hocus pocus, but the six principles of Pilates are the reason why this physical exercise program is so successful. It reminds many people of yoga, except that Pilates is focused on the physical, using regular mind techniques in order to accomplish goals. By adhering strictly to those principles, you will garner greater success than if you just took the Pilates classes without really believing in them.