In the world of wellness today, when we look beyond the well-pedalled, superficial aesthetic often associated with Pilates, this method of movement really does stand out as a holistic approach to improving balance + resilience in both mind + body.
And among the six key principles that form the foundation of Pilates, Concentration takes centre stage. Often overlooked by both teachers + practitioners, this principle is the secret ingredient that transforms Pilates from a mere physical exercise into a mindful + transformative practice.
“A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.” - Joseph Pilates
Although Joseph Pilates did not entirely dismiss the aerobics boom in 1960’s America, he maintained that his methods offered a more targeted + efficient way to improve physical + emotional well-being.
He even once said:
“Pilates is not a fatiguing system of dull, boring, abhorred exercises repeated daily ‘ad-nauseam’.”
(as an aside, I think Joe would have been very entertaining on Twitter)
He believed that the mind + body are intricately connected + as such, should be treated as equally important + fundamental when practicing his method (which he called Contrology).
The principle of concentration emphasises the need to bring focused awareness to every movement, ensuring precision for maximum benefit. In a modern world filled with distractions, the ability to channel one's focus becomes a powerful tool for unlocking the full potential of the Pilates method.
“Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all vital benefits.” - Joseph Pilates
At its core, Pilates is not just a series of physical exercises; it is a mind-body discipline that encourages individuals to cultivate a heightened sense of awareness. Concentrating on each movement engages the mind, fostering a deep connection with the body's intricate mechanics. This mind-body synergy is what sets Pilates apart, allowing individuals to move with intention + purpose.
Pilates is essentially about gently re-wiring your mind-body connection by repeatedly moving through the various Pilates exercises. Doing this regularly, your musculature starts to retain a memory of how they feel + in time, will begin to adopt them automatically – without you having to think about it too much.
“Correctly executed, to the point of subconscious reaction,” Joseph Pilates said, “these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities.”
Precision + Control
Concentration is the key to achieving control + precision (which happen to be principles 4 + 5 respectively) in Pilates movements. Whether performing a simple mat exercise or using specialised equipment, such as the reformer, you are encouraged to focus on the details of each movement. This emphasis on precision not only enhances the effectiveness of the exercise but also minimises the risk of injury by promoting proper alignment.
Breath + Flow:
Concentration extends beyond the physical movements to include mindful breathing. Integrating breath with movement is a cornerstone of Pilates, + concentration plays a vital role in synchronising the two. By maintaining a focused breath throughout the exercises, individuals enhance their lung capacity, oxygenate their muscles, + promote a seamless flow of energy through the body.
You can learn more about the importance of breath, the first Pilates principle, in our recent blog post "The Quiet Power: navigating Pilates (+ life) with purposeful breath"
Concentration in Everyday Application:
Of course, like all of the Pilates principles, the benefits of concentration extend beyond the Pilates studio + flow out into everyday life. In a fast-paced world, cultivating the ability to concentrate + focus has far-reaching implications for mental wellbeing. The skills developed through Pilates can enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, + improve overall mindfulness, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts various aspects of life.
By embracing the power of concentration, we can unlock a deeper understanding of our bodies + minds, reaping the holistic rewards that Pilates has to offer both in the studio + outside of it.
All of our classes encourage concentration - why not give yourself an extra challenge + try out Flow + Strength? Read more + find it on the schedule here
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