Classical Pilates for Modern Life
(A Harmonious Pilates, Inc. Original Publication)
by Joanna Telacka
Classical Pilates Teacher
Business Owner
Triathlete
July 13th, 2024
Shining light on Pilates truths, honoring Joseph Pilates,
and supporting you in your Pilates journey.
“SQUEEZE EVERY ATOM OF AIR FROM YOUR LUNGS UNTIL THEY ARE ALMOST AS FREE OF AIR AS IS A VACUUM”. - Joseph H. Pilates
Here are the fundamental rules of breathing when doing Pilates exercises. Implementing them will yield long-lasting benefits because it will improve your form and the efficiency of your movements.
- Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.
- Start each exercise while inhaling, and complete the movement while exhaling.
- No "belly breathing": The breath should be directed into the ribcage, not the abdomen.
- The ribcage is 3-dimensional so breathe into the upper back and sides: Instead of just the front of your chest, try to expand your ribcage in all directions. Breathe into the upper back (between the shoulder blades) and under the arms into the right and left side of your ribcage.
Whether on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, or the Ped-O-Pull, Inhale during the first half of the exercise to supply fresh oxygen to your bloodstream and Exhale during the second half of the movement.
Watch the video below of how I explain Frog. I find it one of the more "tricky" exercises to teach because the breathing pattern seems "counterintuitive" to most.
Try It Yourself: Next time you are practicing Pilates, focus on implementing even just one of these rules and observe the difference. You may find that your movements become more intentional, whole body efforts, smoother, and more supported by your abdominals.
When you understand how to breathe and move through your Pilates routine, you will not only enhance your practice but also achieve a greater sense of ease and fluidity in your movements.
Happy practicing :)
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Look inside my Facebook group: "Classical Pilates for Modern Life" and on the Instagram page "Pilates Knowhow" where I explain and demonstrate one Pilates exercise at a time.
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Sincerely,
Joanna 😊
