Many people ask us: What is Pilates exactly?
Here’s the answer…
Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates.
He named this method Contrology as its basic concept is the use of the mind to control the body.
Pilates carefully follows well constructed principles based on philosophical and theoretical foundations.
It combines different types of diverse exercising styles.
Pilates derives various postures from ancient Roman and Greek exercising styles and the gamut from yoga. There’s also a tiny bit of Chinese acrobatics involved. Certain built-in ruling principles fuse all these elements in pilates.
It’s been practiced for over 80 years and therefore contains a pragmatic collection of exercises.
Principles of Pilates
The Pilates principles involve control of mind over matter, flowing movement or fluidity, breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision . All these principles together contribute to the unique exercise regime called pilates.
Mind Over Matter
The most contradictory method of Pilates is also its fundamental element. This calls for attention to the free union of the body and the mind. While executing various movements, it requires complete attention to be paid on the body .
Fluidity
Pilates exercises have fluidity as our body operates in similar mode. The fast and unsteady motions of other workouts are substituted by dynamic energy. Speed accentuates the grace of movement.
Breathing
Proper breathing is essential to perform pilates exercises correctly. It provides decent flow of oxygen in the blood and removes waste gases. All of the cells in the body awaken by proper blood pumping.
Concentration
Concentration on the entire body is significant. This isn’t as simple as it sounds however and needs to be practiced.
Control
Pilates teaches complete muscle control. Pilates cannot be executed with sloppy or haphazard motions. All aspects required to make those movements and control over every movement are important.
Centering
The abdomen, buttocks, hips and lower back make up the powerhouse of the body and that calls for centering while doing Pilates.
Precision
There’s a purpose behind each pilates movement. No detail can be left out as this leads to the loss of intrinsic value. Each instruction helps performing correctly. That means that doing only one exercise motion perfectly and exactly is better than doing all halfheartedly.