Bodymind

Pilates targets the core muscles of the body (the deep abdominal, pelvic and back muscles) to stabilize and support the pelvis and spine while we move. Strengthening these muscles in a balanced way, in combination with stretching and lengthening, helps to bring the body into healthy alignment, which facilitates more balanced and efficient movement patterns. The more balanced and aligned we are, the more efficiently our muscles work. Key to Pilates is the use of breath in releasing unwanted tension from the body and improving body awareness and integration. Exercises are performed slowly with focus on alignment, engaging the mind as well as the body in a holistic, integrated manner.

Regular exercise with the Pilates method helps improve posture, flexibility and coordination of movement and helps correct physical imbalances, which are often at the root of back or joint pain. It will leave you feeling more integrated, toned, flexible and relaxed.

Principles of Pilates

• Relaxation - Learning to recognize and release unwanted tension prior to exercising is an essential part of "re-educating" the body.
• Concentration - Pilates trains both the body and the mind. Focusing the mind on each movement develops the body's kinesthetic sense and an internal awareness.
• Alignment - Paying attention to the correct placement of bones and joints ensures that the right muscles are working to correct muscle imbalances and improve postural habits.
• Breathing - Breathing is a core concept in Pilates training. Correct breathing technique assists in relaxation and concentration and encourages correct muscle recruitment, especially of core postural muscles.
• Centering - Movement depends on the subtle interplay between mobility and stability. Re-educating the deep postural muscles to stabilize the core (center) allows for proper alignment and correct positioning of limbs for efficient movement.
• Coordination - Emphasis is on coordination of complex 3-dimensonal movement sequences performed with smooth transitions and a sense of flow.
• Lengthening - Elongating and lengthening the body away from a stable center assists with alignment and coordination and helps increase flexibility and range of motion.
• Persistence - Re-educating our movement patterns does not happen overnight. What may be complex and difficult initially will eventually become second nature. Try not to judge and breathe!