Key Principles

There are nine key principles that are applied to each movement pattern in order to achieve the full benefit of the Pilates Method.

1. Breathing – the breath is the essential link between the mind and the body. It draws our wandering mind back into our bodies and back to the task at hand.
2. Concentration – to concentrate is to pay attention to what you are presently doing. Without concentration the exercises lose their form and their purpose.
3. Control – to be in control is to understand and maintain the proper form, alignment and effort during an entire movement.
4. Centering – in Pilates all movement radiates outward from the center. Developing a strong, stable and flexible center is one of the defining features of this form of exercise.
5. Precision – understanding proper form, placement and movement efficiency. Precision is the end product of concentration, control, centering and practice.
6. Balanced Muscle Development – understanding, developing and maintaining correct alignment and form is essential to Pilates.
7. Rhythm/Flow – rhythm and flow creates smooth, graceful and functional movements without placing stress on the joints.
8. Whole Body Movement – Pilates is fundamentally about integrating movement into a flowing whole body experience; integrating the mind with the body to create clarity and purpose; integrating mind, body and spirit to create a life of balance.
9. Relaxation – to be healthy in body and mind it is important to release unnecessary tension in order to understand the balance between effort and relaxation.

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” — Joseph H. Pilates