Pilates and breathing

Beyond the repertory of exercises that can be for many as classical body fitness movements, the essential principles of Pilates are the ones qho better define it. In this method, the exercise is less important than HOW to perform it an to WHO it is directed (that is to personalize the method depending on each person).

There are 8 main principles mentioned in previous posts, but now we are going to talk about the most important one breathing, vital function that allows oxygen absortion and carbonic gas rejection.

if you ever tried to think about your respiration you have noticed how this attention inconciously influences in its rythm. Any breathing disadjustment may be responsible of other disfunctions, like pain or bad coordinations.

Huamn beings are able to apply mental control that permits modifying breathing parameters like rythms and wideness, through practices like yoga or singing, which are a true mastering of this function.

In this way, in Pilates training breathing is a key principle. It’s integral part of each exercise, being always coordinated with movement. It is used to facilitate stabilization and movilization of the spinal column and the limbs, influencing directly in thorax alignment, whcich if it is bad is considered a common cause of cervical and lumbar pathology.

So, it’s important to be relaxed and cool before each exercise and breathing helps you get it, since it makes you aware of your tensions and helps you lighten up your muscular system.

Even though the different Pilates studios offer variations on how to breathe in a same exercise, they all have in common that respiration is a principal element for improve oxygen assimilation and breathing capacity.