What is the Mind Body Connection in Pilates?
Nov 05, 2018
What is the Mind-Body Connection In Pilates?
I use the term mind-body connection when I am teaching my Pilates clients all the time and I've even used the term to name my Online Pilates Membership Site, but today I going to delve more deeply and explore the mind-body connection and what it means for us as we practice Pilates.
Joseph Pilates refers to the mind-body connection many times in his writings and stresses it's importance in his Method.
"Man should develop his physical condition simultaneously with that of his mind" Joseph Pilates
Many forms of exercise can be completed mindlessly such as walking on a treadmill at the gym, for example, while watching a television screen to pass the time. This type of external stimulation can create a disconnection with our bodies as our focus is on the television as opposed to our bodies. Pilates encourages us to go within and connect with our deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor and create an awareness of these muscles and how they feel and function at any given time. The more in tune we become with these muscles, the greater our body awareness becomes and we are gradually able to take greater control of these muscles with our minds and use this control to move more efficiently, improve posture and correct movement patterns that are no longer serving us.
If we look at the Principles of Pilates:
Concentration, Control, Centering, Flowing Movement, Precision & Breathing
The mind-body connection is required to execute these principles successfully whilst practicing Pilates and as Joseph Pilates said his Method is as much as a mental workout as it is physical.
The benefits of a mind-body connection are too numerous to list here but just some of these include relaxation, increased body awareness and it enhances mental and emotional well-being.
"Pilates is a complete coordination of body, mind and spirit"
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates could never have envisioned that being able to switch off from the outside world and focus completely on one's own body and mind during a Pilates session would be more valuable than ever and a rarity to be savored in this chaotic and busy modern world. If you would like to join my Online Pilates community and work out in the privacy of your own home, take the free 10-day trial now. Looking forward to seeing you on the mat!
If you are ready to take control of your own health and fitness then download your free copy of my detailed guide.
Learn more about what sort of people benefit from Pilates and how it can help you too. I separate the myths from the facts and share actual case studies of my clients who have achieved life-changing results from my unique Pilates program.
