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The ABCs of Pilates: Awareness, Breath, and Control
“The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.”
– Joseph Pilates
Pilates is an art that demands not only physical, but mental strength, as well.
As it is time for school to start back up, let’s revisit a few of Joseph Pilates’ basic tenets. Mastering these “ABCs” of Pilates will provide the knowledge you need for a healthy lifestyle.
Awareness
Pilates teaches us to be mindful of our bodies from the moment we wake up in the morning – being “in the moment.” When your mind and body are aligned, you feel that awareness in everything you do
Breath
Humans take over 28,800 breaths everyday, and with each breath oxygen renews and fuels the blood coursing through our veins. Breathing is a cleansing process; every breath sets off a beneficial chain reaction, making our cells function. Pilates requires a simple, yet profound concentration on inhale and exhale patterns, supporting our movements to get the most out of our bodies.
Control
“Contrology” is a term coined by Joseph Pilates for training your body through mind power. A key element of Joseph Pilates’ ideology is precise muscular command while engaging the mind to best control our bodies. By mastering that mind-body connection, you will be better equipped to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
Just like the “ABCs” are the building blocks of the English language, awareness, breath and control are fundamentals of Pilates. Keep these words in mind as you continue on your Pilates endeavors.