LOLITA’S LEGACY PHILOSOPHY

Alignment – proper organization of the body. The correct placement of the bones and joints resembling building blocks, beginning with the alignment of the feet and the legs, the spine and the upper body and extremities vital to achieving proper posture and weight distribution.

Axial elongation (lengthening, pulling up, axial dynamism, resistance of gravity, oppositional energy) – an essential part of all movement, which lengthens the body away from the gravitation pull of the earth. Axial elongation, as called by Polestar Pilates, accompanies proper alignment.

Breathing – the method makes use of diaphragmatic breathing to fully inflate and empty the lungs to cleanse the body and improve circulation. The breath serves as a guide for all movements. (See Breathing in Pre-Pilates).

Posture – correct placement and alignment of the body. From the side, imagine a plumb line that runs from the crown of the head through the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle (lateral malleolus). Proper posture is a 24/7 activity that requires constant reminders. One of the greatest goals of the Pilates method is to achieve and integrate correct posture in all daily activities such as sitting, standing, sleeping, etc.. To me, Pilates equals proper posture.

Concentration and relaxation – upon entering the studio, integrate the mind and body with the approach that there is nothing more important at that moment than your time in the studio. Use your breathing as the principal tool toward achieving relaxation and release of stress.

Coordination – organizing the different sections of the body under the guidance of the mind to attain muscular control.

Core control – abdominals, pelvic floor, gluteals, multifidi. In Pilates we believe that the correct use and the integration of the abdominals is vital to the proper performance of all exercises. It is initiates by lifting the belly button up and in toward the spine.

Feet – the base upon which we stand which suffers greatly through incorrect shoes and alignment. The proper placement and weight distribution will affect the alignment of the entire body.

Gaze – the eyes should initiate and guide the movement of the head, neck and spine. Peripheral vision is very important in activities of daily living. In dance, the eyes are key players in dynamic projection, turning or spinning, elongation and guiding the body.

Mind/ body integration – avoid distractions while performing your exercises so that your mind is integrated with your body, thus maximizing your workout. Remember, “It is the mind that guides the body.” I still prefer to work without music as Joe Pilates taught me

Precision and controlled movement – Keep in mind Joseph Pilates’ principles and the importance he gave to controlled, precise movements.

Rhythm and flowing movement – I think of Pilates as a dance that unites the rhythm of the body, the breath, with the coordination and integration of the muscles and the mind to achieve flow and grace.

Shoulder girdle organization – correct placement of the upper body: head, neck and shoulders. The shoulders must be placed above the hip sockets with the ribs drawn into the body with length in the neck and the chin parallel to the floor. I often refer to this with the imagery of a rectangular box that runs from the pelvis to the shoulders, hip to shoulder, shoulder to shoulder, shoulder to hip, and hip to hip.

Spine articulation and mobility – using the spine as a wheel was the imagery that Joseph Pilates taught us. Isolating each vertebrae the way animals do creates a wonderful sense of decompression and lengthening. We often hear our clients say how they feel taller after their sessions. Many actually experience growth in height.

The many rolling movements in the Pilates repertoire massage the spine and aid in its articulation and mobility. Movements of the spine are at the heart of the Method. As he often said, “You are as old as your spine is flexible. If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old; if it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”

Total body integration – the ability to apply all of these principles that is developed through practice, persistence and patience. This goal requires time and dedication. Whole body commitment and health is its goal.

Visualization and imagery – the ability to “see” and apply our aims and goals to the body through the use of imagination, concentration and visualization. The wonderful way in which Joseph Pilates named his exercises for example, the seal and the elephant, allows us to see and feel the movement, helping us to achieve the desired goal.