The Pilates Principles

These are the cornerstones of successful training. They teach you to be consciously aware of your body and enable you to recognize and correct postural patterns that place strain on the body. Only by internalizing these principles and combining them with the execution of movements will you achieve success. There is no Pilates without these principles.
In addition to the Pilates principles, you also need discipline and perseverance; you have to truly want it!

If your spine is stiff and immobile and you are only 30 years old, then you are OLD.
If your spine is mobile and flexible and you are already 60 years old, then you are YOUNG!!
A few well-conceived exercises performed cleanly and precisely are far more effective than hours of sloppy training or forced, awkward contortions.

Breathing:
Breathing is a crucial element of Pilates. Proper breathing enriches the blood with necessary oxygen. Fluid breathing keeps your circulation stable. Breathe fluidly and never hold your breath—especially not when an exercise becomes difficult. A deep exhalation relaxes the diaphragm, for instance, while a good inhalation helps to lengthen and align the spine.

Concentration:
Focus on the flow of movement. Feel the movement and try to sense every detail of the exercise. Quality, not quantity, counts in Pilates training.

Control:
This refers to more than just simple body control. Pilates views body and mind as a unified whole. Exercises should be consciously planned and carefully executed. The mind controls the movement. Quality, not quantity, counts in Pilates training.

Coordination:
Strength originates from the center of the body—extending from the lower ribs, around the navel, back to the lower back, and down to the buttocks—forming your "powerhouse." In Pilates, muscles learn to work together in new ways for unfamiliar exercises, effectively relearning coordination. Pilates exercises revolve around this powerhouse; it fosters an awareness of the strength and power your body can generate while promoting good posture.

Precision:
The more precisely exercises are performed, the greater the benefit. It is the small details that matter in intelligent Pilates training.

Flow of movement:
Fluid movement promotes balance and coordination. Pilates exercises mirror natural, everyday movement patterns. Movements should always flow smoothly, never feeling jerky or requiring excessive, strained effort.