1. Concentration:
Concentrate on the correct movements required for each
exercise. By engaging your mind you will begin to notice the interrelated
muscle activity involved during each exercise.
2. Centering:
All movement, balance and strength originates from and is
sustained through your center. In Pilates this center is called your
Powerhouse.
3. Breath:
Never hold your breath. Allow your breathing to flow naturally. Breath
deeply into your chest and back, completely inhaling and exhaling each breath.
4. Control:
Maintain control of every movement at all times. The
exercises should never be performed in an uncontrolled manner or on autopilot.
5. Precision:
Execute each exercise with attention to detail. Each
exercise has a clear structure, a precise form and an optimal dynamic. Work
with quality instead of quantity.
6. Flow of movement:
Pilates is a flowing succession of exercises. Flowing from
one exercise to the next with minimum of movement will re-create the natural rhythm
of your body.
*copyright March 2002 Michael Fritzke & Ton Voogt