You’ve probably heard that when it comes to exercising, what really counts is concentration. Joseph Pilates was a pioneer in physical conditioning that is mentally focused. He had a name for his method – Contrology. In other words, being fully aware of your body parts, and how they should function properly. Her at Center for Movement, we like to remind our clients that less is more and a clear focus is vital to achieving positive results.

Concentration is one of the six key Pilates principles. Here are the other ones:

Control – every Pilates exercise is done with muscular control. Nothing is done in a haphazard way.

Centering – all Pilates exercises are initiated from the center of the body, or what Joseph Pilates called the “Powerhouse”. This consists of our abdominal muscles, lower back, pelvic floor, hips and buttocks.

Breath – using a full breath while executing  movements results in enhanced energy production. Most Pilates exercises have a specific breathing pattern. Proper breathing is integral to the method and will help you control movements in your daily life as well.

Precision – each exercise should be done correctly, with proper alignment and efficiency of movement. We don’t waste out time doing many reps.

Fluidity – In Pilates, all exercises have a seamless quality with a natural grace and ease, connecting all body parts in an even way and in a sequence that includes specific transitions.

At our studios, we like to call the Pilates and Gyrotonic methods Intelligent Exercise. Not only are they well thought-out systems, they provide the opportunity for self-discovery and transformation of the body and the way we use it to move. “Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise,” as Joseph Pilates advised, “lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value.”

Elle Jardim, along with Donna Singer, opened Center for Movement in 1998.

Center for Movement, located at 846 Scarsdale Avenue offers Pilates and Gyrotonic sessions and classes 7 days a week. They have 2 additional locations on the upper east side.

For more information, please call 914-722-7646 or visit our website at www.centerformovement.com