To be precise in our Pilates practice we need to strengthen our skills of concentration, control, and centring. Without practicing with awareness and precision Pilates movements become almost meaningless. This is because without a level of control and precision, a practitioner may be moving with momentum and/or using their joints instead of their necessary muscles.

Our bodies are highly adaptable. There is a principle in kinesiology (the study of human movement) called the SAID principle which states that the human body adapts specifically to imposed demands. Specific stressors on the human system, whether biomechanical or neurological, will produce Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands (SAID). This means the more we practice controlling our muscles during Pilates the better we get at it.

In Pilates, we use lateral (side) breathing, also called intercostal breathing. When laterally breathing an effort is made to emphasize the expansion of the sides and back of the rib cage when we inhale. This promotes a consistent inward pull of the abdominal wall. On the exhale, our abdominal muscles assist our bodies which in turn helps to stabilize the trunk.

Each person has a unique set of imbalances, and these are almost always related to their previous injuries and/or dysfunctional movement patterns. A properly designed Pilates exercise program brings balance in our muscles safely and gradually as using the Pilates equipment helps support the body in the correct alignment. Because the loads of resistance are light to medium in Pilates compared to other modes of strength training the risk of injury is quite low. So the exercises in Pilates can help bring balance, coordination, healthy joint mobility, muscular strength and endurance, and core stability. I truly believe Pilates is the BEST way to train the body.

I have trainings in both Classical and Contemporary methods, which is why at Pilates Life Studio you are often presented a melding of both amazing methods.

And his Contrology method had a philosophy that he believed would bring whole body health, which gave context to the exercises he designed. Joseph intended his method to be a mental and physical discipline, a work ethic, and an attitude toward one’s self that would eventually become a habit and a lifestyle.