According to Joe, our abdominal wall, or the space between the ribs and the hips, is called the Pilates powerhouse. This powerhouse also includes supportive muscles like the pelvic floor and the spine.

That’s great for the people who

• want to strengthen their abdominal wall,

• want relief from lower back pain,

• want to improve their posture.

When you teach yourself to move your legs, arms, and spine from the center (powerhouse), you will strengthen your abdominal wall muscles, become more stable in your lower back muscles, and be more conscious of your posture in your everyday life.

Thus, being more in control of yourself.

That’s powerful. 

Being in control means that it’s never the teacher or the equipment like the springs holding you. You are! You use your concentration, self-awareness, and breath to strengthen your body and mind. All credits go to you. The rest are guides to help you get there. 

Make it a point to remember to move from your powerhouse.

Review of the 7 guiding principles :

• Focus and concentration
• Alignment
• Powerhouse
• Flowing natural movement
• Opposition energy
• Precision
• Breathing

This week’s video will explore two new exercises for moving from your center.

1. Scissors (from stomach series)
2. Swimming

You will need:

• Foam roller,
• A theraband
• and a magic circle

Cues for this class:

• A new perspective: Using the single-leg circle exercise to move from your center.
• The Rolling like a ball with theraband – great if your struggle is staying in a ball shape.
• Teaser – use your single-leg circle to help you get up. 

Articles that might guide your understanding of moving from your center.

How to achieve Contrology

You’re in control

You don’t have to know it all right away. Let it all sit in your mind and body.

Xo