You hear it often in Pilates – the cue to “imagine.”
Imagine that you’re doing Pilates on an inflatable raft.
Imagine that your head could touch the ceiling.
We once heard the cue, “Imagine you had small bunnies in both of your hands, hold them firmly but don’t squish them” (hey, whatever works).
Pilates teachers call on imagination for a reason, well, many reasons. When it comes to planning and executing movement, imagination serves not only as a creative asset but also as a practical tool that works in tandem with your motor cortex. Through mental rehearsal, you can practice and refine movements even before you physically perform them.
This practice finds its origins in a somatic healing technique known as Ideokinesis, which combines thought (ideo) with movement (kinesis) to aid in injury recovery. But wait, it gets better. Imagery also helps the brain to form new connections, known as neuroplasticity, which adds a dynamic and adaptive dimension to your Pilates practice.
So, grab your imagination and join Destinie for “Reformer on the Mat” tomorrow!
ONLINE PILATES CLASS THEMES
Monday, August 21st @ 12PM with Destinie:
I first learned about the science behind using your imagination in a graduate class on Motor Control. I came across studies showing that when amputees were told to imagine movement, the motor cortex in their brains lit up, even though no actual movement was happening. It got me thinking about Pilates as a mind-body practice and how we can tap into our minds in a fun way to better access the potential of our bodies. In today's class, imagination and visualization will be at the forefront, both before and during movement. With the theme of “Reformer on the Mat,” you'll find plenty of inspiration, making it a stimulating way to connect with your body's capabilities.
Wednesday, August 23rd @ 8AM with Destinie:
BYOR! Bring Your Own Requests! It’s like improv Pilates. And just like any improv show, all Destinie needs is one word to get the show going!
