Principles Of The Pilates Method Of Body
Conditioning
Author: Sarah Thomas

Having been developed by the legendary German native Joseph
Pilates, the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning follows
important principles based on a well designed theoretical, as
well as philosophical, foundation. Although this method of body
conditioning is most often considered a form of exercise, there
is actually much more depth to the Pilates Method of Body
Conditioning than being considered simply an exercise. Besides
being a form of exercise, the Pilates Method of Body
Conditioning is actually a method, designed and improved over
the last 80 years, from actual use, as well as observation.

Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was designed by using a
number of different diverse exercise methods. These methods
include:

* Yoga
* Greek ideals
* Roman ideals
* Zen

Using some of the principles of the above exercising styles, as
well as considering a few other major principles, the Pilates
Method of Body Conditioning was derived. These principles
include:

* centering
* concentration
* control
* precision

The following paragraphs will discuss these principles in
relation to the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning.

First, let us take a look at centering as it applies to the
Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. There is a group of
muscles we all have in our "center" or core. This is sometimes
known as our powerhouse. Included in our "center" are:

* our abdomen
* our lower back
* our hips
* our buttocks

Per Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, all of the energy we
need for our workouts originate in our "center", them moves
outward to our extremities. It is believed that our physical
energy is exerted from our "center" to help coordinate our
movements. Knowing this, and accomplishing this, can help you
to devise a strong foundation to build upon.

Concentration is the next principle of Pilates Method of Body
Conditioning we will explore. Concentration is vital, not only
that you concentrate fully on what you are doing, but it is
important to concentrate on your entire body, as well. With
your full concentration on your body, you will find the
movements will flow.

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning strongly teaches that
complete muscle control is absolutely necessary. Sloppy or
uncontrolled movements are never included in the Pilates Method
of Body Conditioning. On the contrary, concentration is vital so
that we may be in control of every aspects of our movements and
body conditioning.

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning strongly teaches that
complete muscle control is absolutely necessary. Sloppy or
uncontrolled movements are never included in the Pilates Method
of Body Conditioning. On the contrary, concentration is vital so
that we may be in control of every aspects of our movements and
body conditioning methods. This does not only apply to our
larger movements, but to the movements of our fingers and toes,
as well.

Every single movement you make in the Pilates Method of Body
Conditioning has a distinct purpose. Thus, each instruction we
are given is vital to the our success as a whole. If we leave
out even the slightest detail, we are in a sense, abandoning
the value of the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. The main
focus is to use concentration, control and precision in each
move you make.

Finally, good breathing techniques and fluidity are important
principles of the Pilates Method of Pilates Methods. Breathing
should be controlled, not forced, and movements should be
graceful.


About The Author: Sarah Thomas provides articles on health and
wellness http://www.tai-chi-planet.com. You can find more of
her work at the site http://www.todaypilates.com.