Today you will start the class with a breathing practice. And then fundamental pilates exercises. Take a moment to observe if your breath practice during each exercise. Your breath should slowly become more natural and accessible to you. You are going to learn what is neutral pelvis and how to find its placement. Practice with care, listen to my instructions, and observe your body placement. Enjoy the process.
Hi! I’m really enjoying the Pilates videos, especially the excellent cuing. One thing I noticed in the breath video was the description for the correct lateral breathing: the pelvic floor coming up like an elevator and then the abdominal muscles closing like the elevator door. And we’re to continue using the lateral breathing while doing Pilates. Yet when I work the subsequent videos, I don’t hear mention of the pelvic floor elevator coming up when breathing is described. But we’re supposed to be doing it, right?
See you on the mat,
Margaret
Hello Margaret!
Thank you so much for your feedback—you are spot on.
When we think about abdominal activation during the exhalation in lateral breathing, we ideally start from the bottom up. We first connect to and lift the pelvic floor, followed by the deep transversus abdominis, which acts like your ‘natural corset.’ This is the foundation of core stabilization.
There are, actually, two more layers—the internal and external obliques—which support intra-abdominal pressure like a diagonal corset. I often leave those out in beginner sessions to avoid ‘muddling’ the focus, as it can be a lot to process! In more advanced classes, I definitely weave them in. In a regular flow, I try not to give too much step-by-step detail to avoid overwhelming you with information while you’re trying to move. That’s exactly why I created the specific ‘Breath and Core’ themed sessions—to give us the space to really break it down.
Subconsciously, yes, that is the order your center should activate! Thank you for following my teaching and for such a thoughtful question.
Nice and gentle, just what I needed yesterday; so today I could choose a tougher one. Love the variety of intensities: there’s always a session that’s just right, whether I need to dial it down or up. Thank u!
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