What's the secret to feeling energized and calm at the same time?

During and after the Pilates workout? Breathing:) Of course.

It is hard to believe that even the most dedicated Pilates students often struggle with one foundational skill:

Breathing.

Some hold their breath without realizing it.
Some try to force their exhale like they are lifting weights.
Some are so focused on the movement, they forget to breathe at all.

And a few? They shrug and say,

“Breathing is overrated.”

Yes, it is easy to understand that. It can feel confusing, because Pilates breathing is not intuitive — especially if you have done other workouts.

In most fitness routines, you exhale during the effort.
But in Pilates, we do the opposite: we inhale during exertion.

It may sound backward, but it makes sense ( at least on an intellectual level) when you learn the WHY.
When you inhale at the start of a movement, you are sending fresh oxygen into your bloodstream — right when your body needs power.
Then, while you are exhaling, you are engaging your deep lower abdominals, to return and stabilize — not puffing the belly out, but pulling it in and along the spine up under the ribcage.

When you don’t breathe well: Your abs don’t fully engage. Your back and neck start getting tense, compensating for the lack of abdominal support. You feel fatigued early on in your workout. You miss out on two important benefits of practicing Pilates: feeling energized and calm at the same time.

What mistakes ARE YOU making? 

Are you holding the breath during an effort?

Are you exhaling with force as if “muscling through”? 

Are you inhaling too little, exhaling too much?

Are you keeping your mouth closed and never opening them to exhale?

Are you treating breathing  as optional? 

Neglecting proper breathing doesn't just affect your Pilates practice. It spills over into daily life:

There are real-life implications such as:

Lifting groceries becomes a strain.

Climbing stairs leaves you winded.

Stressful situations feel more overwhelming.

By integrating mindful breathing, you not only enhance your workouts but also navigate daily tasks with greater ease.

So try this instead:

Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth

Direct your breath into your ribcage — not your belly. Breathe into your sides and upper back (your ribs expand 3-dimensionally !)

Inhale during the first half of a movement, exhale as you return

As an example: https://youtu.be/yufRWjmytU8