The Six Principles Of Pilates - Precision
Precision, I feel, is the one principle that sets Pilates apart from all other exercise disciplines.
Every single movement taken is done with precision. Becoming aware of where your body is in space, your proprioception, is key to mastering the method and getting the very best from it.
When teaching the method I place a lot of focus on neutral alignment throughout the body, start positions and working to your own full range of joint motion. This gives each student the awareness of their own body. For instance knowing how far they can raise their arms before their spine wants to come out of alignment, or where to place their legs without tilting their pelvis out of neutral. These are key techniques in understanding the body and it’s movement capability.
Pilates is not about making shapes it’s about feeling into your movement. Knowing how far your can move your body whilst maintaining control. Practicing each exercise repeatedly until the movement becomes second nature, a habit, an automatic response. This is the key to precision, when you practice the exercise consistently within your body, using precise movement you do it with focus. You bring your mind into the movement so that you can train the body to get the very best from each and every exercise.
Moving mindfully increases your awareness of the body. You begin to notice how your body moves, how it responds and how it feels. This will become noticeable not only on your mat but in your day to day movement too. You will be able to respond better to outside triggers like stress, knowing how to correct imbalances brought about by every day habits, and being more aware of how you hold yourself helping you to feel confident and more in control.
Precision helps us to encourage our smaller muscles to engage, creating deeper longer lasting strength. We strengthen the fine muscles surrounding each joint, which will help us to create better posture, stronger movement and prevent injuries. Thus creating a stronger, more balanced body that is capable of handling whatever life has to offer!
“Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits”