The Six Key Principles Of The Pilates Method

CENTERING: The main focus of The Method starts from and is sustained through The Center. Joseph Pilates called this Center your "Powerhouse." We work around the Center Line. Two straight lines, one from shoulder to shoulder and one from hip to hip, form The FRAME or the Box. This centers the body in all movements.

CONCENTRATION: The exercises are executed with focused Concentration. It is the mind that guides the body. We center the mind with the body in action, by being present in the moment. We bring five aspects of the mind into the workout: Intelligence, Intuition, Imagination, Will, and Memory.

CONTROL: When the work is done from The Center, and with full Concentration, you are in Control of the movement performed.

PRECISION: Designed with a precise goal in mind, each exercise allows you to reach the full benefit with attention to detail. Work with the quality of the movement, instead of quantity.

BREATH: All exercises are done with the rhythm of the breath. We Inhale on the point of effort, to send fresh oxygen to the muscle. We stress full exhalation.

FLOW: The full workout is a flowing succession of exercises performed with dynamics. There is a minimum of movement in the transitions, to achieve maximum flow.