Health / Pilates Glossary

Headlights: CadillacImaginary headlights that shine out from the front of your pelvic bones. Visualizing these headlights will help you to tuck and arch your pelvis until you achieve a neutral pelvis po . . . View Full Definition

Hip Belt: An imaginary belt slung low across your hips, from one pelvic bone to the other. Visualizing tightening this belt will draw the hipbones closer together as you exhale to engage your transver . . . View Full Definition

Hundred: This is found for several exercises, the first of which is the Mat, and is used for warming up and working the Powerhouse and increasing circulation.

Imprinting: The action of isolating each individual vertebra of the spine, using either the breath and/or movement.

Inner Eye: An internal sense of body awareness. Use your inner eye to scan your posture and alignment.

Intercostal Muscles: The muscles that run diagonally between each rib (also known as rib cage abs). Intercostals help to control the expansion and contraction of your rib cage when you breathe.

Level Your Eyes: To focus your eyes horizontally straight ahead of you. Leveling your eyes will help maintain proper neck and head placement, as well as enhance your balance.

Magic Circle: Magic CircleA simple isometric device comprising a flexible ring with handles. Can be used to firm the muscles of the upper arms, neck, and inner thighs (especially good for expectant mother . . . View Full Definition

Marionette String: An image to encourage lengthening throughout your spine. Visualize a string extending from the crown of your head to the ceiling, suspending your entire spine along its length, from head to . . . View Full Definition

Mat: The most popular Pilates apparatus, since it is the most economical and can be used at home, on the job, or during vacations. It’s a major foundation of the Method, as all exercises are done . . . View Full Definition

Mind-Body Conditioning: The Pilates Method stresses the blend of Western and Eastern approaches to well-being. The Western approach is dynamic, with the emphasis on motion, muscle tone, and strength. The Eastern ap . . . View Full Definition

Navel To Spine: The process of drawing your abdominal muscles up and in as you imagine your navel drawing toward your spine. This is an original cue that was used by Joseph Pilates. Performing navel to spin . . . View Full Definition

Neck Lengthened: An element of good posture achieved by sending energy out the top of the head. A lengthened neck maintains the natural curve of the neck and counteracts compression of the vertebrae that can . . . View Full Definition

Neutral Spine: A balanced spine that maintains its natural curves. Pilates encourages you to identify and achieve your neutral spine. A misaligned spine causes compensating muscles to work too hard, which . . . View Full Definition

Parallel Stance: When the feet, ankles, knees, and legs are aligned directly under the hip joints, with the toes pointing forward. For most people, the inner borders of the big toes will be 4 to 6 inches apa . . . View Full Definition

Pelvic Floor Muscles: The deep internal muscles engaged when halting urination or performing a Kegel exercise.

Pilates Method: Pronounced Pi-LAH-teez, this method was developed by Joseph H. Pilates more than 70 years ago. Some 500 exercises were created to bring mind and the body together into flowing movements with . . . View Full Definition

Pilates On The Ball: The use of the ball, often called a Stability or Swiss ball, primarily works muscles in the legs, abdomen and chest. This type of exercise is a great way to improve coordination, balance, fl . . . View Full Definition

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