PILATES AND THE SIX
PRINCIPLES: WHY PILATES IS GREAT FOR EVERY BODY
The fourth in our series of articles by Ann Swift about balancing your world through Pilates
T
here are not many exercise regimes that can offer the versatility that Pilates does, and therefore it can be a valuable part of almost everyone’s health and fitness programme. It
is perfect for rehabilitation after injury or ill health, or for clients who cannot carry out other exercise programmes (perhaps due to an existing condition, or where age is a factor).
The reason Pilates is so versatile is because of the six Pilates principles that Joseph Pilates developed: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow.
Centering is the key to Pilates as it encourages you to engage the deeper layers of muscles which work alongside those that move us. Without this inner strength, commonly known as your core, the body may be prone to injury, poor posture or even pain.
Concentration is using your mind and body throughout a class - really feeling the exercises as they happen - and this can lead to a great sense of relaxation as your mind is unable to drift.
Control and Precision encourage you to focus on your strength and the detail of the movements - you will learn just how your body is moving and at what speed; when you should be working hard and when your body should be easing in or out of a movement. This is why Pilates is a great tool for professional athletes looking to boost performance through subtle changes to strength and mobility.
Breath refers to the unique way of breathing during movement which ensures the deeper muscles are recruited, whilst Flow is moving with grace and ease - Pilates is not high impact and there are no jerky movements.
These six principles are fundamental to Pilates and have helped millions of Pilates clients access a new way of working out which is challenging and yet restorative, powerful but also safe. For me, the main reason why Pilates is so great, for all ages and abilities, is that it helps you to get to know your own body and how it moves. This can be very empowering as it enables you to gently address areas where perhaps you can identify weaknesses or imbalances but at the same time develop an inner power which makes you feel great and keeps you moving. And yes, you can do a whole class seated if you need to!
An Exercise: Arm openings Pilates-style
Seated, inhale and then exhale to take your right arm out and back. Return. Now repeat, but this time use the six principles: move the arm slowly and purposefully. Perhaps imagine you have a heavy bag of sugar in your right hand and you are floating the arm out rather than putting it there. Allow the arm to drift back to the start position. Can you feel the difference?
To book a class call 07980 527805 or email info@
balancemyworld.co.uk. For more information please visit the website
www.balancemyworld.co.uk
September and October 2018
29
By Ann Swi f t MA (Hons) MA (Res) L3 CYQ Pi lates BALANCE MY WORLD
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