Pilates movements are precise, controlled and centred. We assume a position, hold it, and then slowly and gently move into the next position. However, the key element of Pilates is breathing; this is what sets it apart from other forms of exercise.

Breathing is one of the fundamental elements of Pilates, amongst many others. Joseph Pilates also emphasised this point. He described breathing as „the purification of the body through blood circulation”.

Most of us do not pay enough attention to our breathing, as we have never had to learn how to do it. We cried a little when we took our first breath, and then never gave it a second thought. However, poor breathing technique can lead to a number of health problems. These include tension, headaches, nausea, insomnia, chest pain, panic attacks and back pain.

We can feel the effects of incorrect breathing almost immediately. If we feel dizzy, find ourselves sighing frequently, feel tired and weak, experience numbness or tingling in our limbs, or often feel very thirsty, it may well be that our breathing technique is incorrect. Of course, these symptoms could also indicate a more serious illness, so it is worth consulting a doctor. However, if our doctor says there is nothing wrong with us, this usually means that we are not breathing correctly.

What are the benefits of breathing correctly? There are many, including higher energy levels, easier weight management, healthy skin, improved concentration, better digestion, relief from back and neck pain, and a greater ability to enjoy life.

For all these reasons, it is extremely important that we learn to breathe correctly. This is (also) what Pilates is for. Most Pilates classes begin by teaching correct breathing. Pilates emphasises three-dimensional breathing that ventilates and utilises the entire lung, rather than shallow breathing, which is also known as chest breathing.

With chest breathing, we cannot reap the benefits of correct breathing technique. It prevents us from accessing all the energy needed to perform Pilates exercises correctly. Every form of exercise has its own correct breathing technique; this is the best one for Pilates.

In Pilates breathing, we breathe in through our nose. We feel the air filling our lungs and moving towards the sides of our ribs (i.e. laterally). We then exhale through the mouth, forcefully expelling the air from the lungs whilst the chest contracts. This breathing technique supports the spine, the muscles between the ribs and the diaphragm, which is one of the fundamental aims of Pilates.

The most important aspect of correct breathing, however, is not the technique itself, but the fact that we do it without paying attention – we simply let it happen. Practice makes perfect, so after a few Pilates sessions it will come naturally; at the beginning, however, we may actually achieve the opposite effect. If we try too hard, the muscles in our neck and shoulders will tense up, thereby breaking one of the basic rules of Pilates, which is flow.

As with all Pilates exercises, form is important here too; however, what is even more crucial is that we completely eliminate stress (not just whilst doing the exercises, but in our everyday lives as well). We can practise proper breathing even at home. This makes it easier to learn the technique without worrying about whether you’re performing the exercise correctly.

Breathing is just as much a part of Pilates as performing the exercises, so please feel free to ask your instructor any questions you may have. It is extremely important to breathe correctly, as this is the best way to enjoy the benefits of Pilates.

Pilates movements are precise, controlled and centred. We assume a position, hold it, and then slowly and gently move into the next position. However, the key element of Pilates is breathing; this is what sets it apart from other forms of exercise.

Breathing is one of the fundamental elements of Pilates, amongst many others. Joseph Pilates also emphasised this point. He described breathing as „the purification of the body through blood circulation”.

Most of us do not pay enough attention to our breathing, as we have never had to learn how to do it. We cried a little when we took our first breath, and then never gave it a second thought. However, poor breathing technique can lead to a number of health problems. These include tension, headaches, nausea, insomnia, chest pain, panic attacks and back pain.

We can feel the effects of incorrect breathing almost immediately. If we feel dizzy, find ourselves sighing frequently, feel tired and weak, experience numbness or tingling in our limbs, or often feel very thirsty, it may well be that our breathing technique is incorrect. Of course, these symptoms could also indicate a more serious illness, so it is worth consulting a doctor. However, if our doctor says there is nothing wrong with us, this usually means that we are not breathing correctly.

What are the benefits of breathing correctly? There are many, including higher energy levels, easier weight management, healthy skin, improved concentration, better digestion, relief from back and neck pain, and a greater ability to enjoy life.

For all these reasons, it is extremely important that we learn to breathe correctly. This is (also) what Pilates is for. Most Pilates classes begin by teaching correct breathing. Pilates emphasises three-dimensional breathing that ventilates and utilises the entire lung, rather than shallow breathing, which is also known as chest breathing.

With chest breathing, we cannot reap the benefits of correct breathing technique. It prevents us from accessing all the energy needed to perform Pilates exercises correctly. Every form of exercise has its own correct breathing technique; this is the best one for Pilates.

In Pilates breathing, we breathe in through our nose. We feel the air filling our lungs and moving towards the sides of our ribs (i.e. laterally). We then exhale through the mouth, forcefully expelling the air from the lungs whilst the chest contracts. This breathing technique supports the spine, the muscles between the ribs and the diaphragm, which is one of the fundamental aims of Pilates.

The most important aspect of correct breathing, however, is not the technique itself, but the fact that we do it without paying attention – we simply let it happen. Practice makes perfect, so after a few Pilates sessions it will come naturally; at the beginning, however, we may actually achieve the opposite effect. If we try too hard, the muscles in our neck and shoulders will tense up, thereby breaking one of the basic rules of Pilates, which is flow.

As with all Pilates exercises, form is important here too; however, what is even more crucial is that we completely eliminate stress (not just whilst doing the exercises, but in our everyday lives as well). We can practise proper breathing even at home. This makes it easier to learn the technique without worrying about whether you’re performing the exercise correctly.

Breathing is just as much a part of Pilates as performing the exercises, so please feel free to ask your instructor any questions you may have. It is extremely important to breathe correctly, as this is the best way to enjoy the benefits of Pilates.