Some people are intimidated by the idea of mindfulness. I hear people comment that the idea of mindfulness sounds to them like something “hokey” or that they aren’t comfortable “getting in touch with their feelings” or they think it means sitting with legs crossed and meditating. That is not the case.
The reality is that mindfulness is simply being aware, paying attention and recognizing what is going on within you or around you.
Mindfulness is very important in Pilates. If you think about some of the principle of Pilates: Breath, Precision, Control, Concentration, Centering and Flow…they all require a bit of mindfulness. You can’t execute a precise movement if you aren’t mindful and aware of your body position.You definitely must be aware in order to have controlled movements.
A very important aspect of mindfulness is being aware of your body’s sensations when exercising. Sometimes a movement or stretch for one part of the body creates a sensation in another part of the body. It is important to be aware of those sensations so you can understand your body better.
The reality is that mindfulness is simply being aware, paying attention and recognizing what is going on within you or around you.
Mindfulness is very important in Pilates. If you think about some of the principle of Pilates: Breath, Precision, Control, Concentration, Centering and Flow…they all require a bit of mindfulness. You can’t execute a precise movement if you aren’t mindful and aware of your body position.You definitely must be aware in order to have controlled movements.
A very important aspect of mindfulness is being aware of your body’s sensations when exercising. Sometimes a movement or stretch for one part of the body creates a sensation in another part of the body. It is important to be aware of those sensations so you can understand your body better.
Try this: next time you come in for Pilates set a goal to be for mindful, more aware, more focused. When doing the Hundred be mindful of how your back feels, be aware of how the breath is effecting your body position, be focused on maintaing your scoop rather than just “getting through the Hundred”. Make adjustments as needed.
Here’s another one to try. Throughout the week, be mindful of your body position in everything you are doing. Even when you are busy doing things, try to be mindful. If you work at a computer there will be a significant portion of your day where you are rounded forward, but when you are mindful you will notice when your core disengages or when your back starts to feel strained or even when your eyes get tired. That’s the time to make that mindfulness work for you. It’s in those moments that a change of position, a stretch or a break will do your body (and your mind) a world of good.
Incorporating a bit of mindfulness into your life can be very beneficial in many ways. Try it, you’ll like it.
Here’s another one to try. Throughout the week, be mindful of your body position in everything you are doing. Even when you are busy doing things, try to be mindful. If you work at a computer there will be a significant portion of your day where you are rounded forward, but when you are mindful you will notice when your core disengages or when your back starts to feel strained or even when your eyes get tired. That’s the time to make that mindfulness work for you. It’s in those moments that a change of position, a stretch or a break will do your body (and your mind) a world of good.
Incorporating a bit of mindfulness into your life can be very beneficial in many ways. Try it, you’ll like it.
RSS Feed
