The foundation of Pilates rests on several principles, with the aim of each movement or exercise to follow these principles

• Relaxation – learning to identify and then to release tension within the body
  
  
• Alignment – placing the body in it’s correct position (neutral) to minimise stress on the joints
  
  
• Breathing – using effective breathing to aid each movement
  
  
• Concentration – clearing the mind and focusing on the correct muscles functioning

• Centring - using the core postural muscles to create a girdle of strength, to stabilise and support the body from within
  
  
• Co-ordination – incorporating all the principles with fine, precise and controlled movements
  
  
• Flowing Movements – performing the exercises in a rhythmical way, creating a dynamic and beautiful movement.
  
  
• Stamina – building strength from inside the body, ensuring exercises can be performed over several repetitions