Breathing in Pilates: Why It's Important
Posted 29 March 2022
Breathing is as natural to us as blinking, and we don’t often consciously think about how we breathe – but in Pilates, breathing is very important! So important it forms one of of the Pilates principles and is something you will need to master to get the most out of your Pilates classes.
As a low-impact workout, Pilates relies on your own body weight to deliver its benefits, and controlled breathing is a very important part of this exercise. By breathing properly during your Pilates workouts, you ensure your core is engaged and that your abdominal muscles are working.
Find out more about why breathing is so important for Pilates below!
Why is Proper Breathing Important During Pilates?
In Pilates, we use what’s called diaphragmatic breathing, which means that the breath is led by the movement of the diaphragm – the large muscle at the base of your lungs. This type of breathing has a few key benefits:
- It helps to engage your deep abdominal muscles, which are important for stabilizing your spine.
- It helps you to move more efficiently by oxygenating your muscles and delivering nutrients to them more effectively.
- Proper breathing can help to prevent injury by ensuring that your muscles are properly supported.
- Breathing deeply can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
How Can I Improve My Breathing in Pilates?
If you’re new to Pilates, don’t worry – our instructors are fully trained and can help you learn and master proper breathing. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Focus on exhaling when you exert effort – for example, when you’re lifting your arms or legs.
- Inhale when you’re releasing the effort – for example, when you’re lowering your arms or legs.
- Breathe regularly and rhythmically, and try to match your breath to the movement.
- Remember to engage your core muscles as you breathe.
- Start with shorter, simpler movements and work up to longer, more challenging exercises.
With practice, you’ll be able to control your breathing more effectively and get the most out of your Pilates workouts!
What are the Other Pilates Principles to Master?
In addition to proper breathing, there are a few other Pilates principles that you’ll need to learn and master to get the most out of your Pilates classes:
Concentration: In Pilates, it’s important to focus on the movement and the muscle groups you’re working. This helps you to achieve better results and prevents injury.
Control: All movements in Pilates should be controlled and precise. This means moving slowly and with purpose.
Centering: The core muscles – including the abdominal muscles, hips, and lower back – are very important in Pilates. These muscles provide stability and support for the spine, and they should be engaged throughout your workout.
Flow: Although each movement in Pilates should be controlled, the overall workout should flow smoothly from one exercise to the next.
Precision: As with control, all movements in Pilates should be precise. This helps you to get the most out of each movement and avoid injury.
By learning and following these Pilates principles, you’ll be able to get the most out of your workouts and achieve better results!
Learn Proper Breathing & Maximise Results at Club Pilates
Breathing is very important during Pilates workouts; this is something you will need to master to get the most out of your Pilates classes. Club Pilates’ instructors are fully trained and can help inexperienced Pilates enthusiasts learn and master proper breathing.
Now that you know more about the importance of proper breathing in Pilates, it’s time to put it into practice! At Club Pilates, our instructors are fully trained and can help you learn and master proper breathing. We offer a wide range of classes for all levels, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. Contact us today to book your spot in class!
