What is Centering in Pilates and how to connect it to a more Healthy Life?
Pilates is not just a workout; it's a whole-body approach to fitness and well-being. One of the 6 fundamental principles of Pilates is centering, which refers mainly to the cultivation of core strength and mental focus. Centering also refers to a felt sense of where we need to move from. A sense of balance and equilibrium. In Pilates, movement is intiated from the core, the centre of the torso, from what Joe Pilates called our power house. The core is is made up of a group of muscles located in our trunk below the diaphragm and down to the pelvic floor.
This principle is about cultivating strength at our centre and learning how to activate and initiate movement from that strong place. Understanding how to strengthen our centre and work from, it extends beyond the realms of physical exercise. Centering, when applied to our daily lives, can help us lead a healthier more balanced life. In this blog, we will explore the concept of centering inside and outside the Pilates studio and how it relates to a healthy philosophy for life .
Understanding Centering
Centering in Pilates involves engaging the deep muscles of the core to create a strong and stable center in the body. It is the key to improving posture, balance, strength, and overall body awareness. Physical benefits aside, centering has far-reaching implications. It extends to our mental and emotional well-being, helping us find inner peace, focus, and clarity amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Off the Reformer and into daily life
Centering is not confined to the Pilates studio; it is a concept that can be applied to all aspects of our lives. In our busy modern world, finding a sense of balance amidst endless responsibilities can be challenging. However, by embracing the principle of centering, we can restore harmony and live a healthier lifestyle.
How to centre your mind ?
Centering our minds: Just as we engage our core in Pilates to find stability, we can centre our minds by cultivating mindfulness and meditation practices. Taking a few minutes each day to quiet the mind and focus inward helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional well-being. We use the breathing in Pilates to still or centre the mind. We also connect breath control to our centre or core. As we practice Pilates we strengthen our centre and mental focus.
Centered nutrition ?
Centring our nutrition: A healthy lifestyle is closely intertwined with our diet. By centring our nutrition on health, we prioritize whole, nourishing foods that fuel our bodies and support optimal wellness. This centering practice involves choosing nutrient-dense meals, mindful eating practices, and intuitive decision-making when it comes to food choices.
Can we find our centre in relationships ?
Centring our relationships: Our relationships, whether with ourselves or others, deserve our attention and care. Just as Pilates helps us build a strong core, centring our relationships involves prioritizing open communication, empathy, and setting healthy boundaries to promote positive connections. We improve our relationships when we increase our self care through Pilates and other practices. We need to be strong and centered to support others and keep our relationships healthy.
Time to Center.
Centering our time: In our fast-paced lives, time often seems to slip away, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced. By centering our time, we prioritize self-care, reflection, and activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Managing our time mindfully helps us create space for relaxation, hobbies, and relationships that nourish our souls.
A reason to Center
Centring our purpose: Living a healthy lifestyle means aligning our actions with our values and purpose. By centering or focussing on our purpose, we focus on personal growth, setting meaningful goals, and engaging in activities that bring fulfillment. Building a life that reflects our values and purpose helps create a sense of coherence and contentment.
Beyond the physical but let's start there !
Centering is a powerful principle in Pilates that extends far beyond the physical realm. It encompasses our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By embracing centering in our daily lives, we can build a solid foundation for a healthier lifestyle that nourishes not only our bodies but also our minds and souls.
