Breathing

Each Pilates move is combined with an accompanying breathing pattern, to co-ordinate with our core and with the movement itself.

I've noticed that when things get hectic my breathing becomes quicker and shallower. Using this insight, I intend to use my calm breathing techniques more regularly, even just taking 10 slow steady breaths while the kettle boils to help keep my stress and anxiety levels in check. I include breathwotk techniques as part of my mindfulness courses and hope to run my next 5-week course in January/February, check out all the details here and email to reserve your place.

Feeling Grounded

Whilst not strictly a Pilates principle, we always start the class in standing, and connecting to our feet on the mat.

I love walking barefoot in my garden and plan to continue doing this even in the colder weather as it really helps me feel connected to nature. I've also started doing a simple tai chi routine or some walking practices that I've picked up from Lawrence Van Lingen's YouTube videos. I find this quick and simple practice helps me to have gratitude for the new day, feel connected and move my body in the morning daylight.

Alignment

During Pilates we focus on the alignment of various parts of the body.

Over the Christmas period, I will aim to keep alignment in mind in relation to my values and beliefs. One of my values is kindness, and I will therefore keep this value at front of mind when, for example, someone cuts me up in traffic. I can focus on kindness towards the other person, and kindness to myself by not feeling overly angry at the situation.  I'll also make a point of smiling and being thankful to anyone serving me in shops, cafes or restaurants too, even if I've had to queue!

Flexibility

Pilates often helps people boost their flexibility.

However, I'm using the concept of flexibility to help me keep a flexible mindset. As with all plans, mine are subject to unforeseen changes over the course of the next couple of weeks, and I would like to keep my mindset and my reactions as flexible as possible. I'll keep in mind the analogy of the flexible tree that is able to withstand all weathers, whereas the strong rigid tree is more likely to be blown down. So, taking my value of living healthily, I'll accept that even though I may not be able to get to the gym so frequently, I can still manage a 10-minute kitchen workout!

Posture

Many Pilates moves can improve our posture, however I'm aware that over the cooler months my posture tends to become more hunched (or curled up like a prawn!) So, I intend to take time to regularly stand tall and stretch out in order to counteract some of this cold weather tendency to curl up.

Strength

Many Pilates moves help to maintain and improve our muscle strength, throughout the body as well as in the core.

Whilst my regular exercise routines help to keep my muscles strong, I intend to keep my mind strong too. Thus, I plan to stick to my regular daily meditation practice to help me stay tuned into myself and allow for some extra self-care where required. I'll also remain flexible in this goal, knowing that on certain days this may be harder to fit in, in which case I'll take the opportunity to be mindful whilst doing a household task, such as washing up.

Centering

During Pilates there is a lot of focus on activating our core muscles.

Over the next few weeks, I want to focus on another of my core values, which is really all about quality time with family and friends. So, I'll be taking some time away from the computer, getting out in nature, and enjoying board games, and chats with people close to me. I'm also looking forward to our Pilates end of term social. I love getting to know my clients a little more at these gatherings, and seeing the connections being made between my class members is truly heart-warming.

Balance

We practice various balancing exercises as well as movements to improve hip stability and strength to improve functional balance during each class.

However, the concept of balance is also important as I go through the next few weeks. I hope to be able to balance all the social events; shopping; maintaining a clean and tidy home; eating healthily; staying fit and active; having some quiet reflective time; and enjoying quality family time. I also know that this is totally unrealistic, so I'll refer back to my thoughts on strength and flexibility when I inevitably lose my balance!

Much like in my Pilates classes, all these principles are interlinked, and as I re-read this article, I've realised how interconnected they are in my Pilates framework for life too.

I hope you've found this interesting, and I'll return to my topic of 'the positive side effects of Pilates' in the new year.

If joining a Pilates Class is on your wish list for the new year, simply drop me an email   here   or check out all my Pilates class details on my website here - looking forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you strength, flexibility and balance!