Benefits Of Understanding The Principles Of Pilates
When it comes to working out, Pilates is a great way to get it done. This low-impact exercise is gentle enough for those with conditions like arthritis, yet still offers excellent results for those who want to tone, strengthen, and improve their overall fitness levels. However, for you to get the most out of your Pilates exercises, you need to understand the principles of Pilates, and the way they can help you.
The Principles of Pilates
Pilates is a method of controlled body movements created by Joe Pilates in the early 1900s. Pilates combines isometric exercises, stretches and relaxation into one unique exercise routine. At the heart of Pilates are the principles which are essential for achieving an effective workout. Here are a few of the key principles to keep in mind during your Pilates session:
Focus: Your focus should always be on breathing, body alignment and concentration. This will result in an efficient and precise workout.
Centering: This refers to the power center of the body—the abdominal area. By centering your movements there, you can use your own body’s natural strengths and weaknesses to your advantage.
Concentration: Pilates requires complete concentration in each movement and each breath. This is achieved by not rushing, thinking and connecting the mind to the movement.
Control: This principle is about precision and accuracy in all your movements and the way you control your body.
Flow: This is about proper sequencing of movement and transitioning between positions.
Breathing: Underlying all Pilates exercises is the proper breathing technique.
Benefits of Understanding the Principles of Pilates
Learning and practicing the principles of Pilates is essential for achieving the best results possible during a Pilates workout. By understanding the principles of Pilates, you can become more aware of your body, how it moves and how your breathing affects each movement. This enhanced awareness can help you move more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some other benefits of understanding the principles of Pilates:
Build Strength, Flexibility and Balance – Pilates movements all help to create a strong, balanced body that moves with ease.
Improve Core Strength – As Pilates movements are centred around the core area, it is great for toning and strengthening abs and back muscles.
Alleviate Stress – The combination of exercises, breath work and relaxation of the mind helps to reduce stress levels.
Increase Mobility – As Pilates uses controlled movements, they help to enhance your mobility, improve joint flexibility and range of motion.
Create Mind-Body Connection – Pilates is a great way to connect the movements and breath with the mind. This leads to greater focus and a deeper connection with the body.
Key Takeaways
Pilates is a great form of exercise for all ages and abilities. The key to achieving the best results from Pilates is to understand the principles and how to apply them to each movement. Understanding the principles can help you to focus, centre, concentrate, control and flow with each breath and each movement. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and improve your strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness levels. So, if you are looking to add Pilates to your workout program or just to give it a try, make sure to familiarize yourself with the principles of Pilates and watch your body benefit from them.
