As Mr. Pilates once said, “A few well designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.”  

The six Principles of Pilates, are integral to Classical Pilates and what you will learn at Studio 26 Pilates.  

Principle 1: Centering
Pilates teaches that energy in all movements “flows from a strong center”, which is located in the pelvis, just bellow the navel (on the inside). Anatomically, our center connects several large muscle groups and refers to the musculature located deep within the abdominal area. From our center we support our spine and major organs, strengthen the back and improve alignment and posture. With a properly developed center we are less vulnerable to fatigue and lower-back pain.  When we move from our center we move with ease rather than strain.  Centering requires a mindful connection to your body as you are moving in an effort to keep the connection throughout each motion.

Principle 2: Control
Control is essential to the quality of movement in Pilates exercises. The Pilates Method does not encourage overexertion of the muscles. The underlying assumption is that exercise motions and movements performed without control can lead to injury, but exercises performed with control produce positive results.  Overexertion can create toxins in the body while proper exertion of muscles detoxifies the body.

Principle 3: Concentration
The mind-body connection is at the very core of Pilates, and the key to coordinating mind and body is concentration. As Joseph Pilates said – “Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” Pilates movements and sequences focus on careful, precise and unhurried foundation work. Classical Pilates teaches and develops our ability to to concentrate on the precise detail of every movement, as well as what our whole body is doing, and so we develop body awareness and control.

Principle 4: Precision
Movement precision builds on concentration. Precision is achieved by consciously moving, directing and placing the body and its parts. Every movement in Pilates has a purpose, and moving with precision works the muscles correctly without strain or tension.  Correctly aligning your body balances your muscles.

Principle 5: Breathing
Pilates calls for complete, thorough and purposeful inhalation and exhalation. Conscious breathing and specific breathing patterns assist movement by focusing the attention and direction of the body and by delivering oxygen to the muscles being used. Full breathing also assists in removing non beneficial chemicals that may be stored in the muscles (Pilates 1945) .

Pilates teaches three-dimensional breathing, the ribs expand forward, sideways and backward during each inhalation, and the belly does not expand forward.

Principle 6: Flowing Movement
Dynamic fluid movement makes Pilates different from other exercise techniques. Each exercise is designed to flow smoothly into the next exercise in the sequence, with minimum of motion or energy on the transitions.  An exercise should have a specific place where it begins and ends, with a seamless middle of precise motion emphasizing grace and control.  Flow ensures full-body workout that builds stamina and endurance.

“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”  Joseph H Pilates

Pilates is transforming to our body, mind and spirit.  

The following nine key benefits of Pilates are ones you may experience through your Pilates practice.  Try it.  You’ll feel better!

1. Improved Posture
   One of Pilates primary focus is posture and alignment, and control of the body that helps improve posture.   By strengthening the deeper abdominal core muscles that support our spine and torso, and focusing on posture and alignment, we can be relieved of many posture related pain.

2. Better Balance
   Pilates improves balance by connecting the core to our movements and by developing strength and mind body awareness.
   Studies have been completed that show Pilates is a promising way to improve balance in older adults, and may lower the risk of falls.

3. Reduced Injury Risk
   Building strength, flexibility, and core stability in your movements will reduce your risk of injury.    Pilates focuses on good alignment of the body while doing the exercises.  Strain or injury is lessened with good alignment.

4. Increased Strength
   Pilates improves full body strength and targets all muscle groups, with a focus on connecting strength with stretch under control.  Strengthening the whole body in this way can help us enjoy all our varied activities in life.

5. Stronger Core Stability
   Pilates builds strength from the inside out, in the deeper core muscles that support our structure in movement, including our limbs.  A stronger core reduces tension in the body and we feel more relaxed.

6. Improved Flexibility
   Flexibility is essential for overall fitness and health, helping you move safely as joints move more freely. This is important for all ages.

7. Healthier Blood
   Building strength and flexibility improves blood circulation because it helps the muscles align more effectively.  Improved circulation also gives you a boost of energy.

8. Increased Mental Fitness
   Pilates builds mental fitness. It improves focus through concentrating on each move and heightens proprioception.

9. Greater Stamina
   Pilates builds physical stamina. It improves strength and tone through using your own body weight. It teaches using the breath to improve strength and stamina.

Find your Center to Move with Ease

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.  Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”    Joseph H Pilates

Pilates is a Mind-Body method of exercise that was developed and taught during the last century by Mr. Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Mr. Pilates originally called the work Contrology.  Contrology (now called Pilates), in short, is stretch with strength, all under control.  The method is a safe, low impact and highly effective way to strengthen, stretch and streamline your body.

The specialized equipment (Apparatus) and the unique exercises are designed to help you develop optimal strength, flexibility, posture and balance without stressing the joints or adding bulk.  Pilates can be practiced on its own, and is a perfect complement to enhance cardiovascular exercise, athletic training and rehabilitative therapies such as physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment and osteopathy.

A consistent routine of Pilates exercises will provide you with a strong sense of center and balance. Each workout will leave you feeling revitalized and moving with ease.  It helps you move better, look better and feel better!

Pilates Works!  Try it – you’ll have a better day!

Studio 26 Pilates can help you with all nine primary benefits of doing Pilates and much more!
1. Improved Posture,  2. Better Balance,   3. Reduced Injury Risk,. 4. Increased Strength,  5. Stronger Core Stability,   6. Improved Flexibility,  7. Healthier Blood, 8. Increased Mental Fitness, 9. Greater Stamina

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to move your body!
Pilates and thoughtful movement just make you feel better…….
so what are you waiting for?