Pilates can get quite fixed on form. Having “perfect” form can become an obsession. Function can become secondary.
I fell into this as a teacher. I gave too many corrections. I found out that this makes people afraid to move! Afraid to do it “wrong”. Try so hard to be “right” that they can’t feel and don’t breathe. It didn’t work so well. I’ve been working on myself to change the way I approach each session. It’s a constant challenge but it’s well worth it in the results I see when I just allow people to move and breath and feel!
But form follows function. Taking the body through the Pilates movements challenges you to organize your body for better function. As you develop more functional movement patterns and abilities your form will improve. It’s good to keep an eye on form, in proportion to the function. If you are unable to roll up through your spine trying to maintain “perfect” shoulders or toes is not important. It’s wonderful to get through a movement that’s very difficult and just be excited that you did it! Nothing is perfect after one try! Not after 100 tries. And perfect isn’t really the goal. We need to be able to move. It execute challenges the body faces in life. Worrying about having perfect form is good for something like performing on a stage, not while doing the gardening!
As you progress through the Pilates method your form will improve as your function does. By allowing your body to figure out the exercises as best it can, not fixating on being “perfect” will give space for ease in moving. Freedom of mobility feels so much better than striving for perfection through tension.
Don’t try to be perfect. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Figure out how your body can do each exercise by being present. Form will improve through function. Be proud of getting it done and trust that “good form” will come with practice.
Because practice makes possible!
Solara Pilates 