Relaxation and Integrated Body Movement
Relaxation
In Pilates
The fundamental, yet often overlooked principle of Pilates is relaxation. The ability to use just the amount of effort needed to perform a specific exercise without additional unnecessary tension is an important concept. It should be kept in mind during Pilates practice as well as in daily life. It may often seem that a lot of tension and effort are required during exercises. However, with every exercise, it must be the work of each muscle. In Pilates, the body should be relaxed, and the person performing the activity should learn to engage only those muscles that are used in that particular exercise. The remaining muscles must be relaxed. This “selective relaxation” teaches us to use only as much effort as needed to perform the exercise correctly. No more, no less.
In Daily Life
It goes without saying that learning to release unnecessary tension in our bodies helps us find freedom of flow in movement and throughout our lives. Relaxing only the necessary muscles allows for more efficient movement and less energy expenditure. How? The next time you are developing a new skill or improving an existing one, such as Pilates, running, golf, tennis, or any other passion of yours, pay attention to where your body is tense and ask yourself if you can release even a little of that tension. You may find that your movements become smoother, your level of frustration decreases, and you see a new way to the problem. This is relaxation in action!
Integrated Body Movement
In Pilates
Pilates is primarily about integration. Integrating the movement of the whole body and connecting the body with the mind can achieve clarity and purpose. The entire movement of the body is at the core of body-mind exercises. This is not tuning while running on a treadmill with an iPod – it is an interactive form of exercise.
In Daily Life
Daily roles in life change depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in, and integrating the movement of the whole body allows for easier and more efficient transitions from role to role. At home, in the office, outdoors, or as a parent – wherever. By integrating body and mind, you rejuvenate your spirit and set yourself on the right path to creating a balanced life.
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.