Avoid Going Through the Motions in Pilates

Are you taking Pilates classes and maintaining a daily practice, yet you find yourself stuck in a rut? You might notice that you’re not making enough progress, or your strength and form isn’t improving as expected.

You’re not alone in this experience! This situation often arises when your mind is preoccupied, and you’re constantly thinking about your never-ending to-do list during your workouts. It’s as if you’re simply waiting for the session to end. This phenomenon is what we refer to as “going through the motions” in Pilates, and you’d be surprised to know that it’s a more common issue than you might think.

Going through the motions in Pilates means performing the exercises mechanically, without conscious effort or engagement. This can lead to a variety of issues. Reduced effectiveness, increased risk of injury, boredom and plateauing of progress, and missed opportunities for the mind-body connection all result from not fully engaging in your Pilates practice.

So, how do you avoid going through the motions in your workouts?

In this blog, we’ll explore some essential tips and techniques to help you stop going through the motions in Pilates and make the most of your workouts.

1) Establish a strong mind-body connection

Pilates is all about the mind-body connection. Instead of letting your mind wander, focus on the sensation and alignment of your body during each exercise. Concentrate on the muscle groups you’re working and visualize the movement patterns. This mental engagement will improve your Pilates experience significantly.

2) Set clear, attainable goals for yourself

One of the most effective ways to break the cycle of going through the motions in Pilates is to establish clear, achievable goals. Before each session, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Do you want to hold teaser a little longer, or maybe stand up with no hands? Having a specific purpose in mind will keep you engaged and motivated throughout your workout.

3) Concentrate on Your Breath:

Pilates places a strong emphasis on breath control, and it’s easy to neglect this aspect when you’re just going through the motions. Focus on your breathing and synchronize it with your movements. Inhale during the preparation phase and exhale during the effort phase. This mindful breathing will help you connect with your body and increase the effectiveness of each exercise.

4) The more you know, the more you grow!

Understanding the logic behind the method will help you understand the movement and where you should be feeling them most. We all love to learn, right? 🙇‍♀️ So why not learn the method we LOVE while building abs, flexibility, endurance, stability, and so much more!

Fabien Menegon’s new series, 6 Step Classical Mat, teaches and tones all at the same time! He uses his expertise as the perfect guide to unravel the mysteries of the mat so you can feel confident, develop deep core strength, and learn the logic behind the sequencing.