{"id":279546,"date":"2026-09-22T18:15:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T22:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/d3ld857kkbmkj2.cloudfront.net\/?p=279546"},"modified":"2026-10-15T22:16:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T02:16:44","slug":"the-6-principles-of-pilates-secrets-of-a-century-old-method","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pilatesnathaliecadotte.com\/en\/the-6-principles-of-pilates-secrets-of-a-century-old-method\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Principles of Pilates: Secrets of a Century-Old Method"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why is Pilates suddenly becoming so popular? Celebrities have embraced Pilates and proclaimed its benefits, but beyond the trend, why is this method so effective?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joseph Pilates left no part of the body behind. He took the time to study the body as a whole, connecting all the elements together: a true mind-body connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Core, the Center, the Powerhouse, and the Transverse Abdominis :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the primary responders in this method is the transverse abdominis, the deepest of your abdominal muscles. It is the heart of Pilates, but it works in synergy with the inner thighs, glutes, and pelvic floor to optimize your natural corset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Axial Elongation or Self-Lengthening :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is your ability to create space in your spine by using your core and creating opposition between two points. This removes compression on the intervertebral discs while respecting the natural curves of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opposition or the Two-Way Stretch :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an important part of the work to optimize every movement. To create space in the body, there must be opposition between two specific points. Keep in mind that everything going up must have its base going down, and everything pulling to the left must also pull to the right. In every exercise, this opposition is highlighted\u2014sometimes with normal breathing, sometimes with a more specific breathing pattern to maximize space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing is an integral part of the method; the lungs are also muscles to be developed. Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma, and by working his lungs, his respiratory condition greatly improved. For him, the lungs were like balloons: the more you play with them, the more pliable they become. Breathing also helps connect the upper and lower body while releasing tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centering or Body Awareness :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscle imbalances are common in daily life. Think of a right-handed person, who is always more agile on one side, or cooking while standing on just one leg. Pilates makes you aware of these imbalances and allows you to correct yourself by recentering. It helps you feel your anchor points and, above much else, never lets you work in your comfort zone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Posture :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination of all these principles will transform your posture. If you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n