How do you approach your Pilates practice? Do you insist on ‘making progress’ with each class or session? Are you always pushing yourself to get to the next level?
This isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Having goals and being committed to reaching them is honorable.
But there’s a lot to be said for incorporating intuitive movement into your Pilates practice too. And sometimes this means not pushing so hard.
What Is Intuitive Movement?
Intuitive movement is the practice of listening to your body and allowing it to cue you on how it wants to move, rather than following a set of prescribed rules. The focus isn’t on doing more. Intuitive movement encourages you to notice what’s already there and then work with that.
When you stop listening to your body’s signals, movement can begin to feel stiff and unnatural. It becomes something you push through rather than something that supports you.
With intuitive movement, you pay attention to your energy level and honor any sensations you’re experiencing. These are what guide your practice. And yes, some days that means your body is going to tell you go full force and pull out all the stops. But other days, it may be telling you to slow down, modify your movements, or even take the day off. (Oh my!)
Intuitive Movement and Pilates
Intuitive movement is well-suited to Pilates. When Joseph Pilates developed this movement system, it was not meant to be rigid, mechanical, or disconnected. He created a practice that emphasizes control, breath, and awareness. And these principles naturally lend themselves to intuition.
Moving intuitively within Pilates means you’re still working with the structure, alignment, and intention that are inherent in the practice. But you’re letting your body have some say in the ‘conversation.’ So while a skilled Pilates instructor offers thoughtful progressions and clear sequencing through purposeful cueing, you listen to your body to determine the level of intensity that will be right for you.
This allows you to improve your body awareness and coordination while
building long-term consistency. What’s more, when you move intuitively, you are reducing the risk of injury or burnout while building a trusting relationship with your body. Then over time, as you allow progress rather than force it, you’ll notice your strength and confidence deepen.
Incorporating Intuitive Movement into Your Pilates Practice
Focusing on intuitive movement doesn’t require any huge changes. In fact, you’ll probably want to start with small shifts as you get accustomed to this new way of practicing.
The first thing you’ll want to do next time you head to the mat or Pilates reformer is check in with yourself. Notice how your body feels. Is it open and energized? Or are you feeling a little tight and heavy?
Once you’ve established your baseline state, allow your practice to build from there. Let sensation guide you. And be curious. Rather than being concerned with how the class is feeling, step back and just observe. If you’re feeling the need to slow down, then do just that. Remember, it’s not about how long you practice. A shorter session that’s done with total presence can be far more beneficial than a longer one done on autopilot.
Moving intuitively in your Pilates practice means shifting from telling your body what to do and listening to what it needs. Then responding mindfully and intentionally to its requests and cues. You’ll soon notice that you’re not controlling your body, but rather working in collaboration with it. And that’s really cool!
Is Your Pilates Practice Flourishing?
If you’re curious about incorporating intuitive movement into your Pilates practice, contact us today.
Our highly trained instructors weave intuitive movement into their classes while offering a range of levels so you can be true to your body while feeling supported as you grow.
This is where practice becomes beautifully personal.