Sustained movement along with appropriate placement of that shoulder, leg or hip plus careful alignment and a considered trajectory for each part of the body.

We know these bundled cues as the principle of Precision. But did you know that Precision has a crossover value? What’s good for the transversus, in other words, is good for the esophagus.

Anyone who has done Pilates has some favorite (and “unfavorite”) exercises. An instructor can tell what turns clients on—they emit excited murmurs and get into position quickly; and what turns them off—those resigned sighs and hesitation. At my studio, Leg Circles are a favorite move. Most of my clients love to do them and say they feel good on their back, legs and hips.

Breathing is a fundamental function of every living being. Its primary purpose is gas exchange, but it also acts to nourish our organs and musculoskeletal system with the resulting expansion and de-expansion of our body. Though breathing is automatic, it is deeply important to be conscious of it—especially with our busy lifestyles!

As Pilates teachers, one of the most valuable teaching tool is to reflect on why and how we became so passionate about Pilates. We all have saved our Pilates books, taken countless tests, earned our certifications and some of us have even opened up our own studio. But, when was the last time you were alone with your Pilates 101 books and dove back into the keywords and terms that have stood the test of time?

Something as simple as a bowl or cup of homemade soup is a slurp in the right direction toward better health and healing this winter, especially after a session on your mat or apparatus. According to research from the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, a higher intake of fruits and vegetables (just what you get in a bowl of homemade soup) is associated with a reduced risk of many common forms of cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund reports that consuming at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily is associated with a 50 percent reduced risk for cancer. That produce-rich minestrone or chowder also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and degenerative conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

Ariel Hernandez breaks down the Hundred and gives you tips on how to explain exercises to clients and students!

I hear and read a lot from Pilates instructors about how to move the body in an anatomically correct way. What “cues” to use while they are explaining to their clients how to “properly engage the transverse abdominus with the multifidus, while we are engaging the glutes,” etc. etc.