The Breath is the foundation of Pilates

Joseph Pilates understood the importance of inhaling fresh air and exhaling stale air. He likened our lungs to bellows and stressed the need to fully inhale and to fully exhale as part of the path towards total health. In Pilates, we also choreograph the breath pattern used in the exercises to help recruit the appropriate musculature, to provided rhythm and consistency to the movement patterns and to help focus the mind. The breath is an important aspect of the Pilates method, but it is equally important that you don’t let the breath confuse, frustrate or inhibit your movement. It is better to breathe comfortably than to hold your breath or let the breath pattern dominate your awareness when practicing Pilates. Keep in mind that different teachers will teach different breath patterns for the same exercise. Let Pilates Elder, Lolita San Miguel, help you maximize your capacity for breath a great exercise she offers in her class on breathing.