A Principled Pilates Practice

A principled Pilates practice - overlooking alliterations, this actually refers to practicing Pilates in a way that remains ‘true’ to its original principles. As many trend tabloids and magazines have recently reported, there is a little bit of a Pilates craze going on. This is quite surprising as the original ‘Contrology’ method was much ahead of its own time, reserved for those recovering from injury or professionally performing upstage. He based his work on three principles: Breath, whole-body health and whole-body commitment; with the whole-body encompassing mind, body and spirit. Through the years the Pilates Method has gradually evolved and integrated current bio-mechanical thinking, including utilising modern pieces of equipment. However, the roots of the technique are steeped in the philosophy and movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago. Today his core method is still taught, as well as an evolved form integrating modern anatomical and bio-mechanical thinking.

Thinking about my own training as an instructor I am fortunate to have trained in a studio that aimed to stick to its origins as closely as possible. Principled Pilates in accordance with the Bodymotion Pilates method consists of a focus on

(1) breath to synchronise movement, improve lung capacity, and mobilise spine and ribcage mobility;

(2) centring to strengthen our core and trunk muscles to stabilise our natural lordosis (lumbar curve);

(3) reach and range of motion to increase space within and between joints;

(4) shoulder girdle alignment to prevent kyphosis (rounded back);

(5) joint articulation to evenly distribute force across all sections of our spine and improve disk health;

(6) balance to enable us to move in a ‘decompressed’ manner and allow for optimal mobility across all planes;

(7) looseness and relaxation to support muscular relaxation by activating deeper layers of muscles.

Together these principles support physical alignment and strength, while enabling us to gain mental strength, focus and health. This is the reason I keep coming back on my mat, challenging myself with innovative and classic Pilates elements. I strive to incorporate these principles in all my classes, addressing individual needs where needed. Pilates is truly a unique and wonderful form of exercise, but as Pilates said himself, consistency is key:

“ ‘You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.” - Jospeh pilates