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The foundation that Pilates builds offers many benefits to athletes. By improving strength and flexibility, athletes can excel in training and boost performance. The Pilates method is based on six principles that each have individual value but combined can create total body awareness:

Principle 1: Breathing

Normally, we breathe without giving it much thought. But breathing creates endurance and energy, while encouraging relaxation. While working through a whole Pilates mat routine, playing a full tennis match, or even nine holes of golf, proper breathing is a vital component to building stamina as it keeps the bloodstream pure by circulating oxygen. While not all Pilates exercises are necessarily "breathing exercises," it is important to be aware of your breathing while exercising. Your breathing will also assist you in performing many of the more challenging movements in the routine.

Principle 2: Centering

The powerhouse—our abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks— your center. Strengthening the abdominal muscles results in a stable pelvis, and a balanced pelvis will support the lumbar spine and keep the feet and legs in alignment. When the body goes out of alignment it cannot perform as efficiently, as your center provides assistance for all movements the body makes. For instance, a runner must keep his core stabilized to gain range and speed. Additionally, a golfer must have a stable center to avoid a lateral shift while swinging the club.

Principle 3: Control

Pilates is best described as a combination of stretch and strength with control. When body and mind operate together, a movement is executes most effectively by using control. All movements in Pilates are initiated from the powerhouse, the center of control. Control is essential in preventing injuries. Without control we always use the same strong muscles and the weaker muscles stay weak. After mastering an exercise, proper control will allow you do it more quickly, therefore improving your level of performance.

Principle 4: Concentration

Concentration is the focus needed to achieve quality movements. The other five principles become easier to follow once concentration is established. An increased level of concentration enables you to visualize a movement and carry it out to the best of your body's ability. The same principle applies to your golf game: a great deal of focus is required to improve technique. The effectiveness of your Pilates workout or your game will depend on your ability to focus.

Principle 5: Fluidity

Pilates is a complete and graceful choreography in which each exercise leads into the next with energy. Smooth and agile movements create an even, flowing routine that is performed without rushing. It is essential to keep your mind focused on how each movement relates to the next during the workout. Learning to anticipate the next move and carry it out smoothly helps to improve your game and Pilates workout, and will help to conserve energy, an important part of staying in a long game or race, or for a swimmer gliding easily through the water.

Principle 6: Precision

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Excerpted from "The Pilates Edge"
by .
Copyright © 2004 Daniel Loigerot.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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