In this post, wewould like to share with you my take on the 6 principles that you can expect to see in our classes: (1) flow and creativity, (2) alignment, (3) breathing, (4) stability and mobility, (5) language and (6) integration.
1. Flow and Creativity
Flow can be described as a feeling both within the body and within a class, and can be achieved via layering and exercise choice.
Creativity is the way in which our personality and vibe can be projected and is unique to each teacher. It can be reflected in the way we use our cueing and words, the exercises/layers we choose and the way these are woven together.
Together, these elements ensure that each class is enjoyable, seamless and harmonious for you.
2. Alignment
Alignment refers to the way in which your body is orientated and connected. It can be achieved by paying attention to each individual joint/body area, and the way in which they interrelate, to ensure the least tension and stress is placed on the body. This is important to ensure you can achieve your most efficient and healthy movement, and therefore achieve the best possible outcomes from a class.
3. Breathing
The way in which breathing is employed through a class has many strengths and mindful benefits. Most significantly that of creating a foundation for which a class can be built upon.
This is achieved through assisting with the maintenance of alignment, helping to ease over-stimulation to create a mind-body connection and the creating of a seamless flow between exercises.The breath should be natural and unforced; explored by each individual to find their own unique rhythm and pattern,
In this way, it can help you get the most out of every exercise and enable you to feel a strong connection with the movement.
4. Stability and Mobility
Stability largely refers to strength and balance, whilst mobility largely refers to control throughout range of motion. Achieving both stability and mobility will allow you to move freely, whilst having a quality strength base, and therefore leave each class feeling incredible.
5. Language
Language, which can be expressed in many ways, assists you to help understand and connect with your movement. It may be used as a motivational or correction tool, or purely to provide connection and engagement.Language can take many forms, such as verbal, tactile or visible, and is important for building the experience of the class and supporting you along your Pilates journey.
6. Integration
Finally, integration is about bringing all the principles together, to create an incredible class that can be enjoyed by both you and me. This can be achieved by layer the elements together and isn’t about over-complicating the process, but rather building a class in a way that ensures you can leave feeling good and with a smile on your face.
We hope this first post has been helpful, and look forward to seeing you in class again soon.
