Pilates is built on six principles that guide the execution and planning of programs, making Pilates a comprehensive practice. These principles are intertwined and work synergistically to provide the full benefits of Pilates. The six principles are control, centring, flow, breath, precision, and concentration.
Let’s take a moment to delve deeper into the principle of concentration and its significance in Pilates.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to find ourselves physically present in one place while being mentally scattered, juggling numerous thoughts simultaneously. Our minds are constantly buzzing, with background noise often overwhelming us. Sometimes, we just want to break away from this noise and be fully present, conscious, and mindful. Pilates offers an excellent avenue to achieve this focused state.
Joseph Pilates once said, “Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits. Correctly executed and mastered to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities.”
Concentration can be defined as the action or power of focusing all one’s attention on something. In Pilates, this focus is directed towards the body and its movements, which ensures the correct execution of exercises, maximizing benefits and minimizing the risk of injury.
During a Pilates session, you must focus intensely on how your body moves through space, maintain proper posture, and control your breath—all while following your instructor’s cues. This can be challenging without full concentration. We require full concentration during our Pilates session it helps us create a strong mind-body connection.
One of the most cherished aspects of Pilates is the mindfulness it brings to movement. The concentration required in Pilates practice not only enhances physical performance but also provides a mental break from the outside world, leaving you feeling revitalized, aware, and focused.
Once you master the ability to fully concentrate and be present, a magic happens – you see, hear, and feel the harmony between mind – body – spirit.
– Shenaaz Msusa
