If you are already a Pilates enthusiast, you have certainly heard your instructor ask you to engage the core until exhaustion.
But are you sure what ‘core’ really refers to?
Traditionally called “powerhouse”, a term coined by J.H. Pilates himself, the core is the complex of certain deep muscles located in the central area of the body.
It is our center, where both the strength and the lengthening of the spine originate.
Those muscles comprising the core are:
- – the transversus abdominis, which must be kept constantly engaged for the whole class;
- – the internal obliques;
- – the diaphragm, our deepest muscle involved while breathing;
- – the pelvic floor muscles, deeply connected to breathing as well;
- – other pelvic stabilizing muscles (gluteus minimus, iliopsoas, multifidus, quadratus lumborum).
Keeping these muscles trained is essential for spinal health!
They provide stability, help maintain correct posture, and improve movement control.
Originally called ‘contrology’ – the art of control – Pilates constantly works on activating those deep muscles with mindfulness and focus.
This helps improve body awareness and balance, making them less susceptible to injury, indeed.
During a pilates class, you’ll learn to activate your core through proper breathing and movement control, thanks to the careful guidance of our qualified instructors.
We look forward to seeing you at our studios for a free trial lesson!
