#19 Living Life the Pilates Way - Part 2
If you think that Pilates is just about getting rock-solid abdominals, you are wrong. It is so much more than that, and it can change your life.
In my previous article, I delved into the first three principles - control, concentration, and centering - which are essential for establishing a firm foundation. This article will explore the remaining principles, and we'll see what “Living life the Pilates way” truly means.
The remaining three Pilates principles
4. Precision
“Study carefully. Do not sacrifice knowledge to speed in building your solid exercise regime on the foundation of Contrology. Follow instructions exactly as indicated down to the very smallest detail. There IS a reason!”
Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)
Some may think that following the strict regime and order of Pilates exercises is boring. But after more than ten years of practicing Pilates, I have come to understand that everything eventually makes sense. Pilates is meticulous, and every smallest detail is indeed important to make the method work.
However, although Joseph Pilates expected precision, he did not overcorrect his students. Instead, he allowed them to move and gave suggestions on how to improve rather than criticizing them outright.
Allowing students to learn and develop at their own pace is crucial. Precision doesn’t mean there is only one correct way of doing things. But encourages you to use your brain and decide wisely how to approach challenges. Whether it is in the Pilates studio or real life.
Whatever you do, do it with intention. Sloppy and half-hearted Pilates practice is like teaching children to count but skipping the numbers 5 and 6.
Being precise begins with self-awareness and recognizing the disparity between one’s thoughts and actions. Talk is cheap; deeds are hard.
Living life the Pilates way - Principle 4: PRECISION
Be aware and be clear about your intentions, actions, and decisions.
5. Breath
“To breathe correctly, you must completely exhale and inhale, always trying very hard to “squeeze” every atom of impure air from your lungs in much the same manner that you would wring every drop of water from a wet cloth.”
Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)
It’s interesting to note that Joe Pilates often prioritized exhaling in his discussions of breathing. He stressed the importance of “squeezing” every atom of air from the lungs until they are nearly empty. He believed deep exhaling to expel impure air from the lungs was essential for maintaining a healthy body.
Despite not having access to all the information and research data we have today, Joe Pilates understood the significance of proper breathing, as he outlined in his book:
“Above all, learn to breathe correctly.”
Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)
While Pilates has helped me improve my breath control, I personally understood the power of the exhale through surfing. About a year ago, a very experienced surfer taught me to exhale deeply just before catching a wave. It sounds so simple, but it completely transformed my surf experience.
Interestingly, research has shown that exhaling slows down our heart rate while inhaling speeds it up - a crucial indicator of our mental state. Whether you’re riding waves, doing Pilates, or facing other difficult situations in life, maintaining a calm and clear mind is essential. And the key to this, as experts have found, is your exhale.
Living life the Pilates way - Principle 5: BREATH
Exhale your doubts, inhale new beginnings.
6. Flow
“Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.”
Joseph Pilates, Return To Life Through Contrology (1945)
To me, “Flow” is the Holy Grail of Pilates. It’s the ultimate goal. And to achieve it, you must first have internalized all the other principles. It’s a long, painful, and slow path. But so rewarding.
Flow in Pilates usually means transitioning between each exercise with intention, grace, and fluidity. Sounds easy, but it’s not. It’s damn hard. Because everything has to work together, mind and body, thoughts and actions.
Once you have experience flow in Pilates, the way you see life will never be the same. The first five Pilates principles changed my body, but flow changed my mind.
In flow, there is no forcing, no fighting.
Flow means surrendering because you trust the method, the process, and yourself.
Living life the Pilates way - Principle 6: FLOW
Nothing has to be forced.
Conclusion
Often, we tend to close off our hearts because we feel vulnerable and weak. We are afraid to get hurt. In a world where the notion of “only the strong survive” is emphasized, many of us play cool and tough to protect ourselves from the harsh realities of life. But this kind of being strong comes at the cost of genuine and deep relationships.
Pilates has taught me what “being strong” truly means.
It means to know yourself. And to trust yourself.
It means not compromising your values, choosing your intentions wisely, and following them through.
Being strong means acknowledging the possibility of getting hurt yet having the courage to trust in your ability to heal.
Pilates has taught me to be strong while keeping an open heart.
Are you ready to live your life the Pilates way?
Then I encourage you to seek out your very own Pilates teacher and start changing your life today.
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