Is mindfulness a new Pilates trend?

I recently had a beautiful new client of mine ask me if mindfulness in Pilates is a new trend.  I love that clients ask me questions because then I have the opportunity to share the answer with our community so we can all deepen our understanding of this incredible method.

The simple answer is no! The entire method is built on the concept of mind-body connection. 

The slightly longer answer……. mindfulness in Pilates has always been there.  The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, believed that in order for our bodies to experience the full potential of the Pilates method we require discipline of our mind.  

When I teach my clients, I teach through the guiding principles of Pilates. They may not be aware it’s happening, but it’s happening. Perhaps this is something that myself as a teacher can learn from and begin to teach these concepts by name in class.

Concentration, control, centring, precision, flowing movement, breath, alignment and commitment.

These are the guiding principles and without them and without the presence of our mind (mindfulness) we are no longer practicing Pilates. Mindfulness and the practice of the mind-body connection is weaved into each of the principles, they cannot be achieved without it.

To make sense of this from a clients perspective;

• They’ll notice that they’ve become more aware of their entire body both in their Pilates class but also in life activities.

• They’ll gain awareness of their movement habits and begin fine tuning them leading them to a sense of confidence within their own body and it’s ability.

• They’ll feel stronger, more flexible and more connected to both their mind and body.

• They’ll feel confident in their posture and feel a body that is freed from stress and tension.

The Pilates method, when practiced through the guiding principles unifies our body and mind  connection which drops us into a mindful movement experience.

With gratitude,

Jodie