It is so refreshing to spend a weekend observing the magic of the Classical Pilates system. Recently our studio hosted Core Mat 1 or the Beginner Mat Certification from Power Pilates. Revisiting the basics of the method presents a chance to do some personal “battery recharging.”
One of the many reasons I am so attracted to the Classical Method is its’ diversity in movement and simplicity in order. Beginner mat is a perfect example of both components.
“A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.”
Joseph H. Pilates
5 Key Takeaways
- Pilates is a workout
- Movement heals
- Order and intention of Joe
- Keep changing planes of movement
- Always find some flow!
Classical Pilates first and foremost is a workout. It is not intended to be physical therapy, or other type of therapeutic rehabilitation. That said it does aid in times of injury recovery. However, the goal is mind and body physical exercise. It brings the body back into balance through carefully designed movement sequences.
“Contrology begins with mind control over muscles.”
Joseph H. Pilates
Because it is intended as a workout, one needs to get people moving. This means at every level, beginner, intermediate and advanced the goal is heal the body through movement, not analysis. Exercise demands developing kinesthetic awareness and training a heightened sense of how to move one’s body in space through the movement experience.
This means learning occurs through the repetition and regular practice of the exercises. As a teacher one must guide the student in a safe and secure environment with freedom to discover how to execute exercises through movement. In other words, movement heals and teaches in tandem.
It also demands that the student be consistent in their practice. At our studio we recommend a minimum of two sessions per week. This allows the practitioner time to see how the work affects their body and to develop a keen awareness of Pilates’ application to real life.
There will be times particularly when one is learning the exercises that the execution may not be pretty, but Pilates is exercise NOT a performance. Through learning the exercises in a carefully constructed time frame, thus not too quick or too slow, one has the opportunity to improve the skill level adequately. Elegance comes with patient and consistent practice, like learning a new language.
Follow the order
Appropriate guidance works intelligently with the order and intention that Joe described in Return to Life: The Art of Contrology. The mat exercises have a sequence and order that builds a natural flow into the method. This is why I am a firm believer in the Classical Pilates system. When the exercises are taken out of sequence as well as context it alters the original intention of the work.
It is my opinion that other forms of movement that change the order of the mat exercises and even insert other exercises into the program should not be labeled Pilates. There have been lawsuits and other discussions throughout the years on this very concept. One can teach whatever they desire however, let’s call only what Joe described, Pilates.
As an anatomy student the movement planes are fundamental to comprehending physical motion. They eloquently aid the three-dimensional understanding of how we humans execute diverse actions. For a detailed description of the planes of movement see a previous post Pilates in 3D.
The Classical Pilates mat exercises continually change from back, front and side lying. This is followed by exercises that incorporate sitting, kneeling, and finally moving into a standing upright position. In addition, in each of the diverse levels, be that lying, sitting or standing, exercises incorporate bending, twisting, and rotational actions to work specifically the transverse movement plane.
The continuous changing of movement planes positively supports learning how to utilize the core from different anatomical reference points. Flexion and extension utilizes the sagittal plane, adduction and abduction incorporate the frontal plane and as mentioned above the transverse plane is where rotation occurs. All movement planes are integral to the overall functional health of the spine as well as the extremities, thus both the axial and appendicular skeletons respectively.
Find the flow
A few weeks ago a regular client who happens to be 70 years young said in the middle of an exercise, “I’m ready to flow!” In my opinion, a charming as well as enlightening comment. One it shows she is attentive to the teaching and two a desire to move quicker, thus also more challenging!
This comes from an individual who in the beginning stages was afraid to move and very hesitate about any tempo for fear of injury. This particular client had experienced Pilates in a large group class gym setting and injured herself. Overcoming her fear and now asking for more “flow” is one of those moments when as a teacher the reward button totally lights up!
In the Power Pilates teaching a combination of precision and flow is at the foundation of the method. This highlights the magic of the work, move with precision to maximize energy and efficiency, build in flow to create the moving workout experience. They compliment and support each other.
Wrap-up
Whatever field one is in going back to the basics is fundamental to the continuing education experience. It is easy to get obsessed with the next new thing or a super advanced idea, in this case exercise. Beginner mat is the foundation of the Pilates’ experience. Reminding oneself of the beauty in a solid foundation is exhilarating.
Whether a teacher or just a Classical Pilates’ enthusiast building your practice from the ground up is vital to success. My definition of success is you are motivated to devote a lifetime to the practice, at any age and or fitness level.
There will be ups and downs along the path. It is my opinion that a strong mat practice, supported by the integrative apparatus system offers diversity and simplicity, two keys to longevity in exercise.
My father famously said, “Talent is only good if you use it.” Thus, each day offers a new opportunity to explore your own unique talent in life, as well as in exercise.
Use it or lose it.
