Although mindfulness has been around for millennia, it’s more important than ever in today’s tech-obsessed age. Not only will it help you feel more connected to your body (and benefit your Pilates practice), but research has shown that it’ll put you on the fast track to peace and happiness.
CONTROL OVER THE MIND JUST MIGHT BE THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT IN THE PILATES SYSTEM. As evidenced by these quotes from founder Joseph Pilates, the method is built on the idea of the body and the mind being inextricably connected; you can’t properly execute the exercises without focus and concentration.
Whether you’ve been practicing Pilates for years or just started learning, mastery of the mind over the body is your number-one goal. “One of the reasons I fell in love with Pilates is that Joe called it Contrology, the science of control,” recalls Pilates teacher Suzie Carmack, PhD, a well-being expert and the author of three books, including Genius Breaks: Optimize Your Workday Performance and Well-Being (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017). “If we can learn how to control the body, we can control the thought patterns in our mind—and vice versa.”
You can hone this skill outside of the studio, too. By tapping into mindfulness, an age-old approach rooted in Hindu and Buddhist contemplative traditions, not only will the quality of your movement benefit, but your overall well-being will be enhanced, too.
This story is from the July - August 2019 edition of Pilates Style.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2019 edition of Pilates Style.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Finding New Momentum
Overcoming obstacles caused by the pandemic, the virtual version of this popular festival still achieved its goals.
Carola Trier's Extraordinary Journey
In his authoritative biography of the first woman to open a studio, Reiner Grootenhuis delved into her personal papers to tell the harrowing story of her time in a prison camp during World War II.
Racism in the Pilates Industry
Incidents of police brutality and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests have shed a bright light on systemic racism in the U.S., including in the Pilates industry. Here, Black instructors share their experiences.
For Self-defense
Moves of the Month
Comfort Food Made Healthy
This fall, cozy up to tantalizing comfort food that’s also healthy. A new cookbook from Kristin Cavallari shows you how.
Pilates Postcard
A Pilates teacher shares how the method is making waves abroad.
The Ultimate Gift
One year ago, Kahley Schiller’s life was completely upended by an extreme health crisis. But thanks to her 20-year Pilates practice, the 40-year-old was able to recover quickly.
Revelations
For Sarita Allen, a star of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and a protégée of Kathleen Stanford Grant, Pilates was key to her decades-long career.
Meaning WITHIN THE Movement
The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine help you go deeper into your practice, promising plenty of play along the way.
PILATES IN THE HOOD
Though she’s trained many top stars, Kim Carruthers says she’s most proud of her work as the founder and director of a nonprofit bringing the method to underserved communities.
