Get to Know Yourself with Pilates Principles
By Korrie Sudweeks
Every time I study the human body I’m amazed at its incredible design. How, just like the song, the leg bone is connected with the hip bone, etc....All the muscles tendons and bones are attached perfectly so we can function normally, without thought. That is until we have an injury or pain.
I’ve always wondered why we didn’t come with an owner’s manual to help us when we need it. Every machine we own has an owner’s manual. It’s usually never looked at until problems occur. It is the same as with the human machine. We usually don’t appreciate good health until we experience pain. I’ve come to look at Pilates as that manual – a resource to turn to when we need to restore proper body functioning.
Get to know your body and how it functions before the onset of poor health. This was one of Joseph Pilates’ goals. His big dream was to get Pilates into schools to teach children the proper function and postural alignment of their bodies. Children’s bodies are more receptive and easier to maintain the work. He knew that a misaligned body created poor health and a properly aligned body brought about good health. He experienced it in his own life as a child growing up with poor health, and he saw it improve the lives of his students.
The BREATH is extremely important in Pilates work. Joseph Pilates wrote, “Breathing is the first act of life, and the last. Our very life depends on it. Since we cannot live without breathing it is tragically deplorable to contemplate the millions and millions who have never learned to master the art of correct breathing.” My last anatomy studies the instructor, Martin Kirk, said that with proper breathing we can cure all back problems. Breath deeper, wider, fuller, and to the back of the body. Pilates deep breathing is a stress release. Pilates is a workout for the lungs as well as the body.
In every Pilates session we begin with CENTERING. With all of the economic chaos in the world it brings you within your self to a place of peace and strength. Every move in Pilates starts with the center or core. This brings you an inner stability and helps you stay strong.
CONTROL is another principle that keeps the body healthy and free of injury. When you have control of your muscles, and movements you feel as if you have more control of your life.
CONCENTRATION keeps you connected mind and body. Focusing your mind on an exercise keeps you present in the moment.
PRECISION teaches your body perfection. One precise movement is better than 12 sloppy ones. One exercise in correct alignment teaches your body more than 12 in bad form.
FLOW makes your Pilates exercise more of a dance. When you flow with rhythm and grace the exercise tends to have a meditative effect. It also teaches you to dance and flow with your life.
Keep using the Pilates principles and move into old age with grace such as Joseph Pilates and his protégés have. Most are still healthy, alive and feeling wonderful in their 80's and 90's.
There is a movement in progress to get Pilates into schools. For more information or to donate contact Pilates Method Alliance at pilatesmethodalliance.org.
Korrie Sudweeks is a Polestar Certified Pilates Instructor, a Iyengar Certified Yoga Instructor, a member of Yoga Alliance, and Pilates Method Alliance. She can be contacted at 951-609-9080 or admin@abalanced body.com
