Pilates... Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful...

So I came across this meme on Facebook the other day and had to smile: “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. Hate my Pilates instructor.”

Actually, I’m still smiling — you have to admit it’s kind of brilliant. The truth often is. I’ve been passionate about Pilates for nearly a decade; my experience began in 2003 and continues to grow, guiding my life in countless ways.

What I hold to celebrates Pilates’ core philosophies, even as so many fitness places chase the latest trend. I honor the merits of Pilates and its key concepts: a mind-body connection where energy flows, where every movement is deliberate, where each exercise has a purpose and a goal — and the results are obvious.

The five contemporary principles

These are the basis from which every exercise stems, focusing on position, safety, effectiveness, and mastery.

• Breathing — relaxed, focused breath allows for optimal concentration and oxygenated muscles, feeding strong abdominals and torso stabilization.
• Pelvic placement — the pelvis and lower back stay stabilized, in either a neutral (C-curve) or imprinted position (the lower back drawn toward the mat, used when both feet are off the floor).
• Rib cage placement — awareness of breath and abdominal engagement stabilizes the rib cage, whose position affects the upper spine.
• Shoulder stability — stabilizing the shoulder blades keeps your neck and shoulders safe.
• Head and neck placement — honoring your neck’s natural curve, with the head balanced directly above the shoulders, prevents crunching, strain, and injury.

The six classical principles

Each is filled with wisdom and life applications of its own:

• Control — every movement is inspired by complete control of body and mind, allowing our best ideas, most fluid motion, optimal muscle use, and safety.
• Breath — deep, cleansing breaths: inhale to prepare, exhale to execute, increasing oxygen, circulation, flexibility, and abdominal engagement.
• Concentration — stay present and focused; concentrate on your form and you reap the benefit of every movement.
• Flow — a personal favorite: continual movement, an ongoing commitment to engaged muscles, deep breath, and fluid motion.
• Centering — Joseph Pilates called the core a powerhouse, the area from which every exercise begins. A strong core means safe, effective movement (and great-looking abs).
• Precision — every movement is purposeful and precise, and the way you reach it is specific, controlled, centered, and flowing.

Pilates really is one of those things you have to experience to fully understand. It brings strength, purpose, and empowerment — a constant journey toward our best selves. And if that weren’t enough, it inspires those little snippets of truth now circulating on Facebook. Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful — because there’s no body like a Pilates body.