This month in our Back-to-Basics series, we’re focusing on the Pilates principle of Precision. We encourage you to take this opportunity to refocus your practice on the principles that are the foundation of every Pilates movement. If you missed our other posts in the series on centering, concentration, and control, visit our blog.
Precision: A Cornerstone of the Pilates Method
The Pilates principle of precision plays a vital role in developing strength and efficiency in your movement. Remember in Pilates, how you move is just as important as what you move. When you practice precision, you execute every movement with exactness, using the correct alignment, muscle engagement, and range of motion.
Why Precision Is Important in Pilates
Precision is important in Pilates for several reasons. Let’s take a closer look at the five benefits of a precise practice.
1.) Target the Right Muscles
When you are precise in your movements, you use the muscles that are meant to do the work. Even a small adjustment can help you create strength where it’s needed and reduce overuse of your dominant or compensating muscles.
2.) Improve Technique and Alignment
Precision demands correct posture and alignment in every movement. This is essential for spinal health and joint safety both in the studio and in your daily life.
3.) Build Better Habits
When you practice movements incorrectly, at best, you’re not getting the most out of your workout. At worst, you injure yourself and set yourself back. Embracing precision in your practice builds neuromuscular memory so your body learns to move better on every apparatus as well as in everyday life.
4.) Reduce Risk of Injury
Poor form causes strain on vulnerable areas, such as your lower back, shoulders, and neck. This strain can cause injury that can slow down your progress (and cause you pain in the short term). Focusing on precision to achieve good form reduces your risk of injury to your back, shoulders, neck, and other areas of the body.
5.) Prevent Swinging and Flinging
In Pilates, we work hard to resist the urge to swing or fling your body in and out of a movement. When you rely on momentum in your movements, you’re cheating yourself out of strength gains and putting yourself at risk of injury. Mastering precision helps you move with control and intention so your strength grows.
Developing Precision in Your Pilates Practice
Like other foundational skills, mastering precision in Pilates takes focus, practice, and time. Here are a few tips from the JLB Pilates instructors for developing precision in your practice.
Focus on Setup
Begin every movement with deliberate positioning. Think about how your head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, and limbs are aligned before moving forward. Working evenly and correctly, you’ll avoid muscular imbalances that can be uncomfortable and slow down your progress.
Slow Down Movements
Give yourself enough time to find the right alignment and engagement with each movement. Do not move into your reps until you are certain your joints and muscles are properly aligned and engaged. Then, take it slow. Precision helps you activate deeper and often underused muscles to improve your core strength, posture, and flexibility.
Embrace the Mantra “Less Is More”
When focusing on precision, it helps to embrace the mantra, “less is more.” There is no point in practicing poorly. Instead, focus on staying in your connections. When your movements are precise, you do not need to do a lot of reps to feel the difference. A handful of focused, well-executed movements are more impactful than dozens of sloppy ones.
Rely on Feedback
Studio mirrors and your JLB Pilates instructors are very helpful tools in mastering precision. Visual feedback from the mirror helps you see your alignment and make corrections. Our instructors keep keen eyes out for ways you can improve your position so you can continue to grow in your Pilates practice.
Precision is the foundational principle that separates Pilates from other exercises. It transforms your workout from a series of reps to a powerful, intelligent movement system. When you’re precise in your movements, you work smarter and safer to build a resilient, well-balanced body.
Interested in checking out our Pilates studio? We enjoy working with individuals in Maple Grove and surrounding communities to find healing through movement. Schedule your initial appointment with our team today.
