Pilates Fundamental Concepts and Glossary

Flashcards covering the 6 fundamental concepts of the Pilates Method, teaching principles, and a detailed glossary of terms including definitions for movement, anatomy, and the original 'Elders'.

The 6 Fundamental Concepts of the Method

The bedrock principles of the classical Pilates Method: Breath, Concentration, Control, Centering, Flow, and Precision.

Breath (Principle)

Exercises are done with the rhythm of the breath and heartbeat; inhalation facilitates length and extension of the spine while exhalation is frequently stressed on flexion or exertion.

Concentration (Principle)

The mind guides the body using five aspects: intelligence, intuition, imagination, will, and memory.

Control (Principle)

The number one principle of Pilates; the premise that careless, sloppy movements yield minimal benefit and that the practitioner should not let habit or gravity take over.

Art of Contrology

The name Joseph Pilates originally gave to his method.

Centering (Principle)

The main focus point where all work starts from and is sustained; Joseph Pilates called this the Powerhouse.

Flow (Principle)

A flowing succession of exercises performed with vigorous dynamics and a minimum of movement in transitions.

Precision (Principle)

The attention to detail where a half inch makes a world of difference; emphasizes quality of movement over quantity.

Technique (Teaching Concept)

Broadly directs the client’s body in space; the essential ingredient for every Pilates movement involving getting into, moving through, and getting out of an exercise.

Cueing (Teaching Concept)

Information given to correct a client's form and deepen the exercise, often directed precisely to the point.

Voice (Teaching Concept)

Uses varying modulation to guide the flow and set the tone of energy and motivation.

Tempo (Teaching Concept)

Drives each exercise to create dynamic movement; it is directed with the voice rather than speed.

Flow (Teaching Concept)

Connects one movement to the next; considered the most challenging concept for new teachers to grasp.

Alignment

Adjusting the body so that it is in a straight line or in parallel lines.

Articulation

Bending of the joints, most often referring to the spine in Pilates.

Breath

Inhalation and exhalation. Life; vitality

Breath Cues

Giving instruction on how to breathe while executing exercises.

Classical Pilates

A system of exercises organized by Joseph Pilates originating in New York City in the $1920\text{'s}$.

Core

The central, innermost, or most essential part of anything. The most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience.

Cueing

To give instruction, to in form. Once the technique has been given, the purpose of cueing is to correct the position and get the student to work deeper in each exercise. There are general cues and specific cues

Directional Cues

Instruction using landmarks in the room to guide the execution of exercises.

Distal

Located far from a point of reference, which in Pilates is the powerhouse or the core.

Extension

A movement that straightens or opens a joint where the back of the body moves toward each other.

Flexion

A movement that bends a joint or brings bones closer together where the front of the body moves toward each other (with the exception of the knee).

Hands on Cues

Firm and confident non-verbal direction using hands appropriately on the body to assist in proper execution.

Imagery Cues

Using vivid or figurative language to represent actions and move the body.

Powerhouse

The energetic center of the body consisting of the band of muscles from the breast bone to the knee that wraps around the body.

Secondary Powerhouse

Refers to the neck, shoulders, and scapula, focusing on proper shoulder alignment.

Inner Powerhouse

Refers to the pelvic floor.

Pilates Stance

Mimicking the anatomical position of the legs with heels together and toes slightly apart.

Proximal

Situated toward the point of reference (the powerhouse or core).

Transitions

Moving seamlessly from one exercise to the next.

Opposition

Two things moving away from each other in opposite directions; used to help in cueing.

Pilates Box

The framework of the body created by drawing lines from shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip to maintain length and symmetry.

Pilates Curl

An upper body curl off the mat to the tips of the shoulder blades, creasing at the breast bone to target the transverse abdominals.

Stabilization

The ability to react to a disturbing force by maintaining or reestablishing position or form.

The Elders

The original students of Joseph Pilates, including Mary Bowen, Ron Fletcher, Eve Gentry, Kathy Grant, Jay Grimes, Romana Kryzanowska, Lolita San Miguel, Mary Pilates, and Carola Trier.