Enjoy these Pilates tips from our expert instructors that guide you into a deeper practice from your own home.
Pilates Tips
Amy
“Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” – Joseph Pilates
The diaphragm is the main muscle of inspiration.
Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing include:
- nourishes and cleanses tissues in your body
- carries away impurities and metabolic waste
- relaxes the central nervous system
- minimizes our fight or flight response
- improves mobility of the thoracic spine
- facilitates better core control
To inhale, place your hands on your lower/side ribs and “inhale into your hands.” Expand your low ribs as much as possible without lifting the chest. Your diaphragm and pelvic floor with both pull downward to allow room for the lungs to expand with air.
On your exhale, the diaphragm and pelvic floor will lift back up to the original resting position. Because of this synergy between the diaphragm and pelvic floor, a full exhale will facilitate a good contraction of your deep lower abdominals. This allows for a connectedness that is essential for quality movement.