Low reps in your Pilates class.
Typically, Pilates movements are done in low repetitions. To get the best understanding of a movement pattern, slow and steady wins the race. This style of investigation is often when compensatory dysfunctions are discovered.
When mindfulness, control, and recruitment of the appropriate muscles are engaged you break down movement patterns and rebuild them to enhance everyday activities.
One of my favourite books by Rael Isacowitz, Pilates, discusses 10 Movement Principles. We will summarize the first two in this post.
Principle 1: Become Aware
Be present in the moment with mind and body.
Begin with an awareness of the body.
Realigning the body requires awareness of its structure and how it moves.
We become accustomed to misalignment.
Bringing awareness to the body establishes a foundation for change.
Principle 2: Achieve Balance
Exercises are proportionately distributed to work the different parts of the body… as well as the different planes.
Balance refers to mind, body and spirit.
Symmetrically and proportionately developed musculature allows the spine to perform its function to support the body and assist in movement.
Imbalances are important factors in many painful postural conditions.
Movement habits use certain muscles persistently while the opposing muscles are inadequately recruited.
Results are asymmetric muscular development.
Joseph Pilates wrote about his exercises: “correctly executed and mastered to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities.” You too can become a “movement detective” by slowing down as you move mindfully, use control and recruit the appropriate muscles. Low repetitions are a tool for your investigations to understand how you move.
So enhance your life with the mindset that quality versus quantity in your mind and body!
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