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Pilates key principles: Control

 In Pilates we aim to maintain a high level of control over the movements that we make.  As you will have completed some Pilates with me, you will be aware that a small angle change in leg positioning or increased stability through the pelvis can suddenly increase the intensity of an exercise.  When thinking about control it is very closely related to precision and you could say that these key principles come hand in hand. 

You will find that control is improved once you have made multiple attempts at an exercise.  Muscles will increase in strength and your muscles will remember the movement of an exercise.  Therefore when taking part in a class, stay at a level where you can maintain control.   If you work at too high a level you will find it harder to master the control of position and movement and then perfect the exercise. 

When we have control over a movement we are also able to make the movement using only the muscles connected with that motion.  An example of where things can go wrong is when your shoulders try to connect to your ears when working your legs.  You don't want or need you shoulders to be shrugging up.  Improving the control you have over your movement is controlling the relaxation of your shoulders.  As you grow stronger and your Pilates practice improves you will be able to deliver a higher level of control over your movement. 

Once you are on your way to delivering control over your movements you will find that you are using less effort in the movements you make, your stronger muscles don't dominate the movement and you make fewer errors. 

Remember to use control in every move you make in your Pilates class.



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