Pilates — Technique and Precision

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Pilates demonstration of true strength, co-ordination and control stems from technique and precision. It is more than just being on a reformer and working up a sweat. Pilates is about moving with intention — technique, and being mindful of its execution — precision.

It is true learning the sequence and co-ordination of each exercise is part of Pilates, but it is in the detail that one learns to work from the correct muscles to change the body. This is why Pilates is not simply aerobic but an exercise methodology.

The most obvious benefits of adopting good Pilates technique are;

  1. Precision therefore better execution of exercises

  2. Faster progression and results of strength training and conditioning

  3. Better rehabilitation therefore faster recovery from injury

  4. Better proprioception (body awareness)

  5. More focus in Mind and Body

Due to the commercialisation of Pilates, I am witnessing (to my displeasure) more and more the dilution of the Pilates technique through variant offerings of Pilates group classes.

Some Pilates studios offers small group equipment classes which are usually 3–5 people rotating from one piece equipment to another doing a range of different exercises. Yes — you get to do exercises you see on utube and Yes — they (some) are Pilates exercises. However, these classes do NOT teach you the Pilates method and how to work from your Powerhouse.

And as a direct result I see new clients coming into the studio having done Pilates for year/s with no powerhouse and embodiment of the 6 main principles of Pilates; Concentration, Control, Precision, flow, centering, breathing

The uniqueness of the Pilates method is in its technique and application. The application is individual and the ‘cues’ and instruction for the same exercise will vary from body to body. In group classes this specificity for each exercise are streamlined for general application. As for classes that rotate between equipment — this brings a gym-like mentality of circuit training to Pilates which is the antitheses of what true Pilates is about. It promotes a superficial understanding that in turns denigrates Pilates and its methodology.

My philosophy to life, work and play is simple — I approach them in earnest with sincerity and integrity. Yes — Pilates technique is an investment in both time and money, but true strength is achieved over time and quality of instruction does come at a cost. If you choose to do Pilates — do it whole heartedly and with  gumption.

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Yung Ok Yoo

I spent most of my academic years studying Fine Art in various disciplines. I completed my Post graduate in Visual Arts majoring in Photography and minored in drawing. I continued this line of study into Visual Comunication and further my art skill base with Jewellery and Object making. During this time, I worked on commissioned paintings for corporate, commercial environments as an Interior consultant and decorator to which I also was commissioned to paint for for Private collections. My historical professional background stemmed in the hospitality industry - where I managed restaurants. It was during this time that I found Pilates having injured my back at work. In 2008, I started my apprenticeship under the tutelage of Master Teacher trainer Cynthia Lochard (2nd Generation teacher). My training was rigorous with culmative observational hours, training and practiced teaching of over 1000 hours before certifying. Since my Pilates certification in 2009, I maintain my weekly session with Cynthia Lochard and travel to New York every two years (most recently October 2014) to partake in intensive training at the Head Quarters for Romana's Pilates at True Pilates New York originally know as Drago's. It is here, I continue my tutelage with Master Teacher Trainers Jerome Weinberg & Cynthia Shipley who worked closely with the late Romana Kryzanowska herself. In NYC - October 2014 - I also had a chance to work with Peter Fiasca Founder of Classical Pilates. As well as NYC, I have travelled to Singapore, Paris, London and trained with international teachers. In 2013, I opened True Pilates Sydney Studio, because I felt there were very few Pilates studios in Sydney that focused on the True Pilates Method - hence I named the studio 'True Pilates Sydney'. Through my own teachings I hope to inspire, train and educate others in the art of Pilates as I have been inspired in my own training and journey.