9 Pilates Principals

The first principal is breathing. Breathing oxygenates the blood an connects the mind to the body. Breathing correctly will enhance your relaxation. It also improves your focus and helps to activate your muscles. To do Pilates breathing you inhale through your noses as if to smell cookies in the over (maybe chocolate chip) expanding your rib cage east and west; then exhale with pursed lips like blowing out a candle. This will activate the transverse abdominals. They are located in the lower part of the abs that are often very hard to get to let alone getting them working. The whole point is to coordinate breath and movement. It seems natural but it is actually hard to coordinate. Take it slow. Start by breathing and add layers of movement. My mind tends to wonder so I often have to stop and start again. It idoesn’t come naturally but when it comes together you will feel and look great doing it. Try it and you’ll see.