Pilates Principles

"Contrology** is not a fatiguing system of dull, boring, abhorred exercises repeated daily "adnauseam." Neither does it demand your joining a gymnasium nor the purchasing of expensive apparatus. You may derive all the benefits of Contrology in your own home. The only unchanging rules you must conscientiously obey are that you must always faithfully and without deviation follow the instructions accompanying the exercises and always keep your mind wholly concentrated on the purpose of the exercises as you perform them." Joseph Pilates, Return to Life through Contrology, **'Contrology' was Pilates' original name for his method.

There are a few variations of Pilates principles, ranging from those that Joseph Pilates pioneered in the early 1900s to contemporary adaptations that incorporate modern understanding of fitness, anatomy and biomechanics. The fundamental goal common to all styles of Pilates is to create core stability through controlled, conscious, free-flowing exercise.

Key Pilates Principles:

• Concentration: The all-important mind-body connection. Conscious control of movement enhances body awareness.
  
  
• Control/Precision: It's not about intensity or multiple "reps," it's more about proper form for safe, effective results. Remember, Joseph Pilates original name for his method 'Contrology'!
  
  
• Centering: A mental focus within the body calms the spirit. A particular focus on the torso (abs, pelvic girdle, lower back, gluts), as develops a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. All action initiates from the trunk and flows outwards to the extremities.
  
  
• Stabilizing: Before you move you have to be stable—a safe starting place for mobility.
  
  
• Breathing: Deep, coordinated, conscious diaphragmatic patterns of inhales and exhales initiate movement, help activate deep muscles and keep you focused.
  
  
• Alignment: Proper alignment with a neutral spine is key to good posture. You'll be aware of the position of your head and neck on the spine and pelvis, right down through the legs and toes.
  
  
• Fluidity: Smooth, continuous motion rather than rapid, jarring repetitions. Pilates has a free-flowing grace and elegance to it, much like Tai Chi or yoga.
  
  
• Integration: Several different muscle groups are engaged simultaneously to control and support movement.

All of these Pilates Principles come together to create a holistic mind-body workout.