PILATES FUNDAMENTALS
From the Ground up
How the body finds equilibrium
Equilibrium in the human body is found through equal and opposing forces. Something flows down (ground) and something else flows up (lift). Without the use of opposing forces, you would quite literally fall down. WHY? Because gravity is a downward force flowing through our bones, connecting us to the ground. Rebound lift, however, is activated in our muscles as they lift us away from the ground. These equal and opposite forces are what create equilibrium. Without the use of rebound lift through our muscles we would be on floor unable to get up. Push/reach, ground/lift, root/reach aim towards the same thing ~ equilibrium. They are intrinsic forces we can connect to in our goal of ergonomic movement through Pilates.
Pilates Reformer Footwork teaches push-rebound using spring resistance. One of the purposes of reformer footwork is to reenforce the push-rebound action asserting our relationship with gravity.
As you push away from the footbar you are receiving weight through your skeleton through increased resistance as you lengthen. This is the same as standing upright and pushing against the floor. In footwork when you come to full extension and lengthen or lift through your quadriceps, hips, and abdominals you achieve rebound lift and assert your relationship with gravitational force. Standing upright should accomplish the same push-rebound relationship.
The goal of Pilates is to connect our physical structures using push-lift forces until we can flex with gravity much like the spring on the reformer. Understanding this concept re-enforces our natural relationship with gravity. Understanding how to use equal and opposite forces creates equilibrium that we see demonstrated in graceful, effective movement.
For more demonstrations, helpful information, and just to keep up with what’s happening around the studio, join us on Instagram and Facebook!