February 5, 2010

One of my clients, Joe, has numerous injuries,

including a few war wounds from Vietnam.  Joe is 60,

but he's got the strength and focus of a much younger

man.  Joe is a Pilates enthusiast.    

Joe came to me with many Pilates sessions under

his belt - many different instructors over a long period of time.

I believed him when he told me he really worked at it, but strangely

enough, he said he had never connected with the essence of

Pilates.    His instructors didn't teach the breath.  

And, for me,  Pilates is all about The Breath!

If you're doing Pilates and you're not being taught the breath,

you should inquire with your instructor about proper breathing.

The tiniest muscles in your body are at your core.  These

muscles are used with the breath.  In my studio, without breathing, 

you're just pushing weight.  

Clients that genuinely "get" the benefit of Pilates are the ones who 

focus.  They breathe.  Their bodies feel connected.  Their posture 

is improved.

Breath, focus, precision, strengthening and elongating your spine are

the essential elements of Pilates.

The breath is the 1st step in a series of contractions of your ribs, your navel, your lower abs, your pelvic floor.

The breath strengthens.  It forms better posture and forms whole body

 strength for day to day activities.  It builds substantial support

- a platform -  for any sport or heavy lifting that you might encounter.  

Pilates will keep you strong well into your 80's.   No doubt.  Life is enhanced with this kind of strength.

So, think about the breath.  It could change your life.