Pilates principle: Concentration
I ❤️ Pilates.
It's what finally made me feel strong, fit and most of all - not broken!! (which was how I had been feeling for years ever since a car accident at age 19).
I still get excited sharing it with my clients and seeing the difference it makes in their lives.
I still smile and giggle when people tell me how graceful I am or ask if I was a dancer (NOPE - that’s 100% due to Pilates).
The exercises are great (and a great challenge) but I think what makes it magical are the Pilates Principles.
What the heck are the Pilates Principles?!
I’m so glad you asked.
They're the intent behind the workout - and - what makes it different from other forms of exercise. The Cliff Notes version of these principles would say. . .
Pilates isn’t just about WHAT you do but HOW you do it.
These principles taught me (and are the foundation of what I teach):
How to move better. . . with less pain and more ease
How to move more efficiently (working smarter, not harder)
How to maximize my workout so I get results without spending hours at it
The power of breathing properly
I ❤️ Pilates so much and have been doing it so long. . . I sometimes assume that everyone else must love and know what it is too. . . But. . .we all know what assuming does. . .
So I thought I’d share a little more about it. . .starting with perhaps my favorite principle of all!!
. . .okay, that's a lie, I can't pick just one! But I promise it's a good one!
PILATES PRINCIPLE SPOTLIGHT: CONCENTRATION
Joseph Pilates believed:
“It is better to do 5 repetitions perfectly than 20 without paying attention."
He believed in working smarter, not harder. There's no need for endless repetitions if you're getting the most out of each one.
Don't just go through the motions. CONCENTRATE on:
the movement & CONTROLLING it rather than letting momentum pull you through
the muscles you're trying to work
TRY IT. . .
Want to feel this Pilates Principle in action and experience how small adjustments to a movement you've done hundreds of times before is an absolute game changer?
With concentration, these simple exercises go from boring to powerful (who's up for a challenge?)
It's worth taking the time to get these right. Strengthening these muscles is key to:
Reducing back and hip pain
Improving balance
Walking (or running) with greater ease and endurance
What are Hip Abductors and why are they important?
The hip abductor muscles include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae (TFL). They abduct the legs (i.e. move them away from the center line of the body) and help rotate the leg at the hip joint. These muscles are crucial for balance and stability while moving. Weakness in these muscles can cause pain, instability, and create poor movement patterns.