When new clients at our studio have completed a few sessions, one of the things we frequently hear them say is, I can feel myself standing up straighter! Big deal, right? Actually — yes, this is a big deal!
The reinforcement of good posture is built into every exercise within the Pilates system. Pilates develops strength deep within the muscles of the core. These muscles connect directly to and control the alignment of the spinal vertebrae. Continued practice awakens a client’s awareness of their “midline,” the invisible meridian that runs through the top of the skull to the floor of the pelvis. It is a powerful energetic channel. When one has been trained to feel the internal midline, he or she can then feel when parts of the spine, shoulders and limbs are out of alignment.
It takes time and correct cueing from an instructor to develop this internal sense of one’s midline. The experienced practitioner’s objective eye catches and corrects slight misalignments: the drop of an ear to one side, for instance, or an oblique slant in the shoulders. With each adjustment, one’s perception of correct form becomes better established.
Good posture is one of those little things that make a huge difference. Many people don’t realize how much energy it takes to stay in a slumped position all day. The muscles of a body trapped in poor posture actually expend more energy in order to keep you from completely succumbing to the forces of gravity (i.e., falling out of your office chair!) This extra physical stress can manifest in other non-muscular ailments, such as headaches, shortness of breath, indigestion, decreased circulation and overall fatigue.
The Pilates method comprises exercises that work bilaterally (i.e., both sides) in an even fashion, thus rebalancing the body. Beyond its physical benefits, good posture projects an air of confidence and ease. In other words, you won’t just feel really good-you’ll look just as good as you feel!
Remember, too that ‘Rome was not built in a day,’ and that PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor.
Joseph H. Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology (1945)
