Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, his method is celebrated for its holistic approach to physical well-being. At the core of Pilates lies a set of principles that guide its practice, each contributing to the development of a strong, flexible, + balanced body.
You can read previous posts about first three principles - Breath, Concentration + Centre - here, here + here.
The Essence of Precision + Purpose:
Control in Pilates is the art of mastering your movements with mindful purpose. It is about being aware of every nuance, engaging the targeted muscles, + maintaining a seamless flow of motion throughout each exercise. Joseph Pilates, believed that achieving control over one's body was the key to unlocking its full potential.
“You can say what Pilates is in three words. Stretch with Strength and Control. And the control part is the most important because that makes you use your mind.” - Romana Kryzanowska, student of Joseph Pilates + teacher/director at "The Pilates Studio" in NYC
Mind-Body Connection
At the heart of the principle of Control lies the concept of the mind-body connection. Pilates encourages you to cultivate a heightened awareness of their bodies + movements. By maintaining focus + concentration, you can execute each exercise with deliberate intent, ensuring that every muscle group is engaged + activated.
Precision in Movement
Precision is a fundamental aspect of Control (and, spoiler alert, Precision also happens to be the 5th principle!) Rather than rushing through exercises, you are encouraged to move deliberately + with conscious intention. This precision not only enhances the effectiveness of the workout but also reduces the risk of injury. Through controlled movements, you learn to articulate each joint + muscle group, promoting overall flexibility + strength.
Intelligence guided by the will using memory and imagination assisted by intuition. - Romana Kryzanowska, on the "5 parts of the mind" that are essential to a Pilates practice.
Gradual Progression
The principle of Control advocates for gradual progression in both difficulty + intensity. Pilates exercises are designed to be challenging yet accessible, allowing you to build strength + control of your body at your own pace. This approach not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also ensures you maintain proper form + alignment throughout your Pilates journey.
Quality over Quantity
In the world of Pilates, the emphasis is placed on the quality of movement rather than the quantity of repetitions. By executing each exercise with control + precision, you can derive maximum benefit from your classes. This principle discourages mindless repetition (which Joseph Pilates abhorred!), instead encouraging you to stay engaged + focused, making every movement purposeful + effective.
Adaptability + Modification
Control is not about rigid adherence to a set routine; instead, it encourages adaptability + modification, empowering you to listen to your body. Pilates exercises can be tailored to suit individual needs, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels + abilities. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to exercise, the principle of Control ensures that each movement is customised to meet your unique requirements.
Control allows us to connect to the transformative power of mindful movement. By cultivating precision, purpose, + a strong mind-body connection, you can unlock your full potential.
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