There are six principles that define what the Pilates Method is trying to achieve and underlies the philosophy of Pilates. They include:
Concentration
Provides us with body awareness and total body control, reinforcing the intention of the exercise.
Control
Every movement and breath is intentional – mind/ body training.
Centering
The powerhouse or ‘core’ relates to muscles around the abdomen, lower back and pelvis all which help stabilise and provide the strength centre for the rest of the body.
Precision
Accuracy of each movement is far more important than repetition. This helps to achieve good neuromuscular patterning.
Breathing
Is as important as the movement itself. The breath is integral to muscle relaxation, it enlivens the body with oxygen and creates an underlying rhythm to the exercise.
Flowing movement
Each exercise flows like a dance from beginning to end, developing the grace and ease of movement that we so desire.