Denise Small, PT, DPT
In today’s Pilates blog, we are going to discuss the basic principle of Centering. Pilates used the word centering to refer to the “core” musculature. He believed that all movements should radiate out of the core for maximum stability. There is a lot of use of the word “core” in exercise literature. However, no one ever discusses what that actual means. In the Pilates method, the “core” refers to the diaphragm, the pelvic floor, the deep spinal muscles, and the transverse abdominus. The transverse abdominus is a deep abdominal muscle that is attached to our pelvic bones in a horizontal fashion, from one hip bone to the other. One way to find these muscles is by breathing, as all the core muscles are attached to the diaphragm and ribs via fascial connections.
Try this exercise to find your “core.” Lie on your back with your knees bent. If you need, you can have a small pillow under your head for support. Now, imagine that you have a small, helium filled balloon in your abdomen behind your navel. As you inhale see the balloon expand. As you exhale, imagine the balloon being hugged by your navel and your spine, simultaneously. On your next exhale keep that image of hugging the balloon as it floats up into your ribcage. This image incorporates the three dimensions of our torso, aka the “core” of our body.
There is no need to think of contracting individual muscles. Just keep this vision in mind and you will have a wonderfully functional core. Go over this exercise with your PT in your next session, or come see me for a private session at Beyond Basics. Your body, and your core, will thank you!
