#18 Living Life the Pilates Way - Part 1

The longer I practice Pilates, the more I find Pilates everywhere in my life. Whether I'm surfing, sitting at my desk, or engaging in any other daily activity, I can feel the Pilates method guiding my movements and mindset. As a result, the six principles of Pilates have become a fundamental part of my life, both inside and outside the Pilates studio. And while these principles may seem familiar to some, they are often overlooked or forgotten in our fast-paced and ever-changing world.

In this article, we'll explore the first three of the six Pilates principles and how they have taught me to live life the Pilates way.

Joe’s instinct

Whether you're new to Pilates or have been practicing for years, Pilates can provide a framework for a more grounded, self-aware, and strong-minded life. Joseph Pilates, the creator of the exercise method, knew this instinctively. However, he never spoke about specific “principles.”

The Six Principles emerged 13 years after Joe’s death. In their book The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning, Phillip Friedman and Gail Eisen interpret Joe’s original philosophy as expressed in “Return to Life through Contrology” and extrapolated the six principles that form a foundation of the Pilates method today.

So, what are these principles?

The Six Principles of Pilates

Let’s dive into each principle, examining its meaning and how we can apply it to our daily lives.

1. Control

Joseph Pilates originally called his exercise method “Contrology” - the art of control.

Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)

To fully benefit from Pilates, it is essential to understand your body - your own strength, abilities, and limitations. The method relentlessly urges you to get to know yourself. Only with this knowledge can you execute exercises with precision and control, which are key to achieving positive results.

To be in control of your body, you must be in control of your mind. For Joe, this body-mind connection was essential and unambiguous.

Modern technology has created a world where we are always “on” and constantly reacting, leaving little room and time for reflection and introspection. No room to get to know yourself. Pilates taught me to distance myself from our impulsive and overstimulated society and be in control of myself instead.

Pilates has shown me who I am.

Living life the Pilates way - Principle 1: CONTROL

Know yourself - be in control of yourself.

2. Concentration

Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)

Again, Joe placed great emphasis on the body-mind connection. He believed that by concentrating fully on each movement, you could achieve greater physical and mental control of yourself, which leads you to greater strength, flexibility, health, and happiness.

To concentrate means to be aware. It’s about being fully present in the moment and focusing all of your energy and attention on your body and the task at hand. As you move through each exercise, you feel every muscle, every breath, every moment. Your mind and body work together. In perfect harmony.

Through Pilates, I have learned to block out the distractions of the world. And through concentration, I have learned to listen to my needs, respect my limitations, and push myself to new heights.

Pilates has shown me what I am able to achieve.

Living life the Pilates way - Principle 2: CONCENTRATION

Be aware - of yourself and the world around you.

3. Centering

Romana Kryzanowksa, Pilates Elder, cueing Pulling Straps on the Reformer

In Pilates, we follow the idea that all movement should originate from a stable and strong center, also called the “powerhouse”. The powerhouse is a group of muscles, including the deep abdominals, pelvic floor, and lower back muscles.

When you center yourself in Pilates, you bring your focus to your powerhouse. By this, you activate the muscles that support your spine and help to maintain proper alignment, which leads to better posture.

To me, centering not only helps me to find my center physically but also to connect with my authentic self. Pilates lets me tap into a sense of inner strength and stability that positively affects other areas of my life.

Just as my core muscles serve as the foundation for Pilates, so serve my core beliefs as a framework for living a fulfilling life. I have learned to honor my values, beliefs, and principles and don’t compromise them for the sake of others or external circumstances.

Pilates has helped me to trust my authentic self.

Living life the Pilates way - Principle 3: CENTERING

Know what you stand for - be true to yourself.

Conclusion

To me, the first three principles of the Pilates method embody the importance of a strong foundation, both in Pilates and in life. They have shown me the value of self-awareness and authenticity. By living up to these principles, I have grown stronger and more resilient without compromising who I really am.

Next week:

Strong Core and Open Heart

Living life the Pilates way - Part 2

We´ll discover the remaining three principles:

4. Precision

5. Breath

6. Flow