“What we think, we become,” the Buddha was reputed saying. This principle is also at the heart of Pilates- an innovative system of movement evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. The exercises are designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Emphasis on proper breath; correct spinal and pelvic alignment; and concentration on smooth, flowing, movement; leads one to become aware of how their body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movements. It is through this attention and awareness that one begins to retrain the body to move in a safer, more efficient, pattern of motion. The goal of Pilates is a fusion of the mind and body, so that eventually, without thinking about it, the body will move with economy, balance, and grace.

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