Concentration - A common misconception by those with no Pilates experience is that the movements are low level, easy and slow. This could not be further from the truth. Pilates requires absolute focus and commitment and concentration. It is hard work at any level.
Breathing - Learning to breathe properly is one of the hardest principles to master. Get it right and it will calm the mind and body , give you better focus and flow of movement, ease muscle tension and even help to mobilise the joints.
Centring - Pilates always starts by bringing the focus to the centre or core of your body - what Joseph Pilates termed your 'powerhouse' - and learning to engage these deep stabilising muscles.
Control - Every exercise is executed with accuracy and complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices! Learn control and you are on your way to mastering the art of efficient movement in every day life.
Precision - Precision is about performing these exercises correctly. Mindful focus during each movement, along with routine practice, will lead to precision.
Flow - If you observe people who are experienced at Pilates, you will notice their effortless and continuous flow of movement - everything appears seamless with no sense of start or finish.
Integrated Isolation - Once the art of centring is accomplished, APPI Pilates teaches you how to maintain your core abdomino-pelvic support whilst performing isolated movements of the body, leading to the ability to maintain the same support in everyday functional positions (sitting, standing, typing, pushing a pram etc)
Routine - Consistency is the key to success in anything we do and Pilates is no different. Those who manage to practice regularly will reap the rewards and Pilates will become part of everyday life.
Sources
"Back To Life" by APPI
Return to life through Contrology by Joseph Pilates