What is Pilates?

Contrology, as its creator Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) called it, consists in: “The science, the art and the coordinated development of the body, mind and spirit, through natural movements, under strict control of the will”.

This definition leads us towards the conception of a global discipline from which originates the Pilates method and which continues today.

Indeed the Pilates method offers an alternative way of using physical strength and resistance to educate the body and mind, and this differentiates it from other physical activities that concentrate on the constant repetition of positions of stress.

Techniques deriving from different disciplines play a part in the conception of the Pilates method, such as fitness, ballet, remedial gymnastics, physiotherapy, etc. This is why it is a global and comprehensive discipline which puts all the movements of the body under the control of the mind.

The practice of the Pilates method follows six basic principles:

- Centralization: strengthening of the power centre or energy centre is the basic idea. The abdominal and lumbar areas enable the body to move freely and with balance, eliminating any damaging movements.

- Concentration: ability to pay attention to every movement you make. It is essential we concentrate on the muscles we move in every exercise.

- Mental control: The mind is invisible from the body. It is the starting point of all the movements and the will to perform them.

- Precision: slow, conscious and coordinated movements. Precision is a consequence of mental control and concentration. Indeed, every movement has to be carried out properly, and it is preferable to perform a lesser quantity of movements well, than a larger number of uncontrolled movements.

- Fluidity of movement: all the energy has to be flowing; the body and mind have to work in perfect harmony, without interruptions nor abruptness.

- Respiration: All movements have to be coordinated with the respiration; thus it plays an important role within the practice of the Pilates method. It originates in the muscles of the power centre; we can therefore see that it is a global discipline; everything has to be flowing in unison.

The results of proper practice are very significant: improved pulmonary capacity and better blood circulation are the first effects desired, which subsequently transform into strength, flexibility, mental coordination and good posture.

These principles have an ultimate goal: complete harmony of the body and mind, total fusion. This is the reason why the Pilates method draws from both the oriental and occidental traditions when it comes to searching for the desired harmony. The oriental traditions thus emphasize one’s well-being, calmness, flexibility and suppleness, whereas the occidental traditions stress mainly movements, muscular tone, strength, and resistance. Joseph Pilates knew how to take the best from both traditions through the creation of more than 500 exercises, and his teachings continue to influence us today.

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