Find Your Flow: The Power of Pilates

By Hayley Jones

With many of us spending a large part of the day being sat down, the power of Pilates to strengthen the support and stability of the lower back has never been more important. 

Pilates, named after its founder Joseph Pilates, is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles whilst improving postural alignment and flexibility.

Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles aka ‘The Powerhouse’.

Your powerhouse, or core, is the centre of support for the body; from the base of the rib cage down to the lower back, abdominals, hips, glutes, and pelvic floor. The strengthening of the core is achieved using the 6 core principles of pilates.

The 6 Core Principles of Pilates

 Principle 1: Breathing  

Perhaps the most important principle for Pilates is guiding your breath. In Pilates, the out-breath is on the effort phase and the breath in is taken on the return of the movement phase. This ‘exhale during exertion’ combination activates the greatest engagement of your core muscles.

Principle 2: Concentration

Pilates involves considered movements that take concentration to gain the most benefits from the movement.

Principle 3: Control 

Pilates is about gaining greater control of your body mobility and so maintaining a focus on control is key. 

Principle 4: Centering

Alignment to the centre core of your body becomes the basis for support for a full range of movement mobility. 

Principle 5: Flow 

The ‘flow’ or transition between movements within Pilates is a key cornerstone of  the development of the economy of movement.

Principle 6: Precision 

Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to Pilates. Whether you are new to Pilates or have been practising for a while, it is still important to continually return your focus to the quality of your technique.

Less is more.

Are you interested in trying out Pilates Class? 

Check out the Flow Schedule below to see our available Pilates Classes here at Instinct Gym and Wellbeing: