Breathing

 Pilates believed that to breathe correctly you must completely exhale and inhale to have pure, fresh oxygen. The result of this type of breathing was to promote better oxygenation to our muscles and thus improved muscle activity. Coordinating the breathing with the exercise movement allow us to perform more effectively. As we fill our lungs we can feel our spines decompress and thus create space to perform spinal articulation. A much needed movement which promotes better circulation, keeping us injury-free while providing us with better posture. In addition Pilates believed that enriching our blood with pure oxygen cleanses the body of impurities.

Flow of movement

Flow can be shown both physically and mentally. Once precision has been achieved, there should be a seamless flow between each exercise. Uniform development of the body is seen where flow is achieved, the body moving naturally and rhythmically with coordination and efficiency of movement and the mind clear.

Centering

The physical concept of the centre is also known as the powerhouse. Movement comes from the core which encompasses the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs. In doing so the rest of the body is strengthened. However Pilates believed that the idea of centering was also about unity of body, mind and spirit.

Concentration

Maintaining awareness and concentration when executing each exercise enables you to make precise controlled movements. You are aware of your muscles and their movement, the position of your body, your breathing. Concentration allows you to be “present” in every move, whether that is the actual exercise, or the transitions between those exercises. You are in charge of the deliberate movement of your own body.

Control

this is based on the idea of muscle control. You can execute every pilates exercise with complete awareness and muscular control. Consistently performing in this manner will improve the suppleness and grace of your body. It is also suggested that by focusing on using previously forgotten muscle cells, brain cells reawaken that stimulate the mind further and bring body and mind together.

Precision

The focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement, rather than many halfhearted ones. Pilates says "concentrate on the correct movements each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value".  The goal is for this precision to eventually become second nature, practice becomes permanent.