Six Guiding Principles of The Pilates Method
 |
 |
 |
Concentration |
Control |
Centering |
|
If one brings full attention to the exercise and does it with full commitment, maximum value will be obtained from each movement. (Swan) |
Every Pilates exercise is done with complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices. (Pike) |
Bringing focus to the center of the body, the powerhouse area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Energetically, Pilates exercises are sourced from the center. (Running Start) |
 |
 |
 |
Breathing |
Precision |
Isolation |
|
Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated thinking of the lungs as a bellows -- using them strongly to pump the air fully in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises coordinate with the breath, and using the breath properly is an integral part of Pilates exercise. (The Hundred) |
In Pilates, awareness is sustained throughout each movement. There is an appropriate placement and alignment relative to other body parts, and trajectory for each part of the body. (Twist and Bend) |
The ability to isolate one part of the body while the remainder of the body stays in motion or rest. (One Arm Push-up) |