Relaxation
I know it sounds odd to start any exercise class with relaxation, but you need to let go of tension in the body. One of the key benefits of Pilates is that it addresses muscle imbalances: you need to relax your shoulders, your neck, your face; you need to release the pelvic floor and abdomen. We don’t want tension and we don’t want some muscles doing more that their fair share of the work. Classes may begin in any position – standing, supine, seated – but you can still relax the muscles that are tense. The mind needs to become still and focused. (more…)