When you think of breathwork (Pranayama), Yoga might be the first thing that comes to mind since Pranayama is one of the 8 limbs of Yoga. Breathwork is so integral to Pilates as well, that in fact it's the B(reath) of the Pilates ABCs, but it's a powerful practice that transcends Yoga and Pilates into all areas of our lives and supports our overall well-being to the point it can help us rewire our brains.
Some of the broader benefits of breathwork are stress reduction, emotional regulation, mindfulness, body awareness and improved sleep. Pilates emphasizes both physical strength and mindful control, making it the perfect discipline to incorporate intentional breathing. Here are three reasons why breathwork can help you in your Pilates practice.
1. Enhanced Core Engagement
Breathing may seem like an automatic process, but in Pilates, it's often used strategically. Every breath serves a purpose in connecting with your core - the 'powerhouse' of the body. Controlled, diaphragmatic breathing activates the transverse abdominis, a key muscle responsible for stabilizing the core. In Pilates we also encourage a lateral or 'ribcage' breath, where the ribs expand outward without excessive movement in the belly and this can also make it easier to keep the core engaged during exercises.
2. Improved Body Awareness and Alignment
Breathwork fosters an internal focus on your movements, sharpening body awareness and improving alignment. Conscious, mindful breathing encourages you to slow down, tune into your mind-body connection and make real-time adjustments to your form.
3. Increased Stamina and Mental Focus
Precision and control are at the heart of Pilates, and breathwork is critical for maintaining the stamina and focus needed to perform exercises effectively. A consistent breathing rhythm supplies your muscles with oxygen, boosting endurance and reducing lactic acid build-up that causes fatigue.
Breathwork also has profound effects on mental clarity. Mindful breathing reduces stress, clears the mind, and enhances your ability to stay present during challenging exercises. This heightened mental focus ensures that each movement is performed with precision and intention, elevating the experience of your practice.
'Inhale to prepare and exhale to...'
Someone once said to me that the biggest difference between Pilates and Yoga is the breath. I guess that experience could be true for some but I couldn't disagree more and really think this is an outdated way of thinking and a misconception of the use of the breath in Pilates.
One of the most common cues you can hear in a Pilates class is: 'Inhale to prepare and exhale to... ' (especially if it's a movement that's a bit more challenging or complex, and you need more effort to maintain proper form and control). Very simplistically, it's because when the lungs fill with air (inhale), it's less likely that the back wants to round forward and when you empty your lungs of air (exhale), your back might want to round forward. Go on, you can try it now- sitting, standing, whatever you're doing... and just notice the difference.
While the cue is well-intended, supposed to help us and be supportive - this pattern isn't set in stone and it might not even make sense! It all depends on how the body works and what we're asking it to do in relation to gravity and other factors. So if an instructed way of breathing isn't supportive or helps you to move, it can be changed, I would even go as far as to say that it MUST be changed at any point to better suit not just your body but also your mind, emotions and the deeper, subconscious layers.
Breathwork is more than just an accessory to Pilates. The next time you step onto your mat, give your breath the same attention you give your movements. Really get to know what effect the nuances of a breathing pattern has on your experience so you can recognize it and are empowered to choose another one. Breathe in a way that works for you, as long as you breathe!
Oh and by the way, if you're ever in a class where you're asked to only breath in a certain way that makes you feel uncomfortable - get your stuff and go to another class...
Comments