... with the 6 essential pilates concepts: Part 2 – Concentration Concentration is the pilates principle that brings full attention to the exercise, linking mind and body. Practicing this principle instills a sense of presence. This self awareness and entrance into the present moment is essential for changing old habits and creating new ones.
The advanced pilates student is not the one that can do the most ab exercises, it is the student who finds the hardest work in the most simple exercises.
To practice concentration let us attempt a basic exercise. In fact we will take it a step further. Lay down on your back before exercising and bring the attention to your body. Sound easy? Notice your current postural habits set in. You may feel your shoulders roll forward, your ribs pop up and your abs release. This awareness is the first step. Now try to bring your body into the most efficient alignment. Feel the back of your head, shoulders, ribs and pelvis press into the floor, tighten your abs, lengthen your spine, pull your shoulders away from your ears, reach your arms long by your sides, draw your shoulder blades down your back, drop your chin to lengthen the back of your neck... the list of cues goes on and on. Now concentrate and focus your attention on these details for a full minute.
Not so easy anymore to lay down, is it? When laying down to prepare for an exercise becomes the exercise, you are finding the concentration necessary for changing habits and improving your body.
“It’s the mind itself which shapes the body.” – Joseph Pilates