[SweetCuteness]

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

Most of the videos jump right in and do the moves quickly. Speeding up the movements is only for those who are experienced and know that they have "control" over the movements.

In a nutshell - here is what makes pilates different:
1. All movements are done with a specific breath pattern. NEVER hold your breath - the breath needs to be integrated with the movement to work the muscles as effectively as possible. Don't worry if you are exhaling when being instructed to inhale, just keep the breaths long and smooth.
2. You are doing every exercise with the naval drawn inward and upward toward the spine, and the ribcage moving together and toward the spine as well. As soon as you don't think about this, you will be letting go. Watch your abdomen as you do the exercises. If you are "bulging" at the abs, you are not drawing inward.
3. All movements (regardless of what they are) are to be done with complete control of the body. Nothing (hips, shoulders, etc) should be wobbling, wiggling or moving to and fro.
4. All movements are precise and specific. There is no momentum taking you from one place to another. If you are using the legs, you are to reach all the way through the toes, yet sink the hip downward. If you are using the arms, reach all the way through the fingers, yet keep the shoulder blades moving down toward the hips with the shoulders relaxed.
5. You need to be completely focused on each movement. Every repetition should be PERFECT. When you lose control, stop doing the exercise. This means very few repetitions (of everything other than "the Hundreds").
6. Your neck will get stronger as you continue to curl upward. Not only is th head lifted for most exercises, but the shoulders should also be off the ground. Keep the chin tilted inward toward the throat and always keep your eyes on your abs or thigh area - never toward the ceiling.

Hope this helps everyone.....

These are awesome tips. Thanks for sharing!! I'd like to go to an in-person pilates class every once in a while. I'm sure it's a totally different experience.