Pilates’ exercises be that on the mat, or apparatus contain sequences of movement, within each individual exercise. Similar to language you have words in sentences, within a paragraph, when bundled together tell a whole story. Honoring every position means that each movement or position within the exercise deserves attention. Just like when reading the previous sentence and the words “movement” or “exercise” were left out, the sentence loses clarity. The same is true in Pilates, you want to include each movement or honor every position, so that the complete essence of the exercise is executed, another way to say it is, be precise.
For individuals with Pilates’ experience this is something you understand, probably at times even wondered, “why all the fuss about precision?” For others who are new to Pilates, this is something you should look for in an instructor, honoring the positions may seem like hard work but will pay off in the long run. From my vantage point, this is a skill that quality Pilates’ programs emphasize, and instill in their teachers and studio programs.
So why is honoring every position important?
- Sharpens mental focus
- Strengthens discipline
- Enhances efficiency
- Respects the integrity of the method
As an athlete or just recreational Pilates’ enthusiast increasing your mental focus enhances performance. By working on the details within an exercise, or honoring the positions, the body starts to create regular patterns of proper technique, simply said is training the body to maintain focus during execution. This increase in mental focus also leads to greater understanding of the movement. In general, it is the difference between just going through the motions and not thinking about what you are doing, or honoring the positions with complete mental focus.
Honoring the positions reinforces the art of executing Pilates’ exercises with precision. One of the definitions of discipline is “training to ensure proper behavior” thus, an ordered and controlled training that establishes efficient movement patterns. This stable groundwork allows for a safer and more accurate progression within the system. It is much harder to correct poor technique later down the road, if sloppy execution is the basis of the exercises. A good example is, if a house is built with a weak foundation, the overall structure of the house is compromised, sooner or later. The same is true in Pilates, by establishing precision in execution or honoring the positions, the essence of each exercise is established, a solid foundation is secured, enabling positive advancement and just a better workout!
The original Pilates’ method as written in Joseph Pilates’ seminal work “Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology” presents exercises done with precision, and minimal repetitions. The purpose is then to do each exercise with the utmost control and execution, in order to minimize repetitions. In other words do 1 properly executed exercise instead of 10 poorly performed ones. This reflects a quote from the above mentioned book, in its’ original bold text; “IDEALLY, OUR MUSCLES SHOULD OBEY OUR WILL. REASONABLY, OUR WILL SHOULD NOT BE DOMINATED BY THE REFLEX ACTIONS OF OUR MUSCLES.” Therefore, you get an efficient workout with minimal repetitions, enhanced mental focus and discipline, without needless hours wasted in the gym or studio.
I find honoring the positions a way to hone skills, as well as enhance my teaching. It supports teaching in a couple ways. One by exploring the exercise inside and out, I often find new words and ways to cue the movement to clients. Second, if a client has trouble with an exercise, I think through honoring the positions to see what or where is the specific troublesome part of the exercise.
It has been my experience that individuals and myself at times, have various reasons to want to skip a part, or rather breeze through an exercise. It can be there is tension or weakness in an area of the body, one is tired or mentally distracted, or the exercise is not understood and countless other excuses. Every Pilates’ enthusiast will be confronted at times with challenges. This is why it is important to study with professionals, as well as have a disciplined self-practice. There is so much to learn, and every day poses a new opportunity to honor not only the positions, but the beauty of the system.
