Health / Pilates Glossary

Pilates Performer: The apparatus is the home version of the Universal Performer. It provides a wide range of exercises, from simple to intermediate, in order to develop the Powerhouse. It contains straps, spri . . . View Full Definition

Pilates Principles: The six core principles that govern the correct execution of Pilates exercises, namely, Breathing, Centering, Control, Concentration, Flowing Movement, and Precision. To gain the most from t . . . View Full Definition

Pilates Stance: A position of slight outward rotation of the thighs, originating from the hip sockets. When you stand in Pilates stance, the heels are pressed together and the toes point outward at 45° angl . . . View Full Definition

Pooched Abs: Abdominal muscles that are pushed out. Weak abs tend to pooch, which can strain the lower back.

Popping The Ribs: Splaying and spreading the ribs. Popping the ribs weakens the torso and can overarch the back, as in military posture.

Powerhouse: Also called 'the girdle of strength.' The area between the bottom of your rib cage and the line across your hips – for many the most neglected area of the body. Working the Powerhouse, as vi . . . View Full Definition

Qi Gong: This practice involves a combination of movement, meditation, and breathing that balances the flow of energy through one’s body with the goal to have a positive effect on health.

Rebounder: Is a mini-trampoline. Rebounding (bouncing on the trampoline) is a gentle, low-impact exercise that may strengthen your heart, improve your circulation, stimulate the flow in your lymphatic . . . View Full Definition

Reformer: ReformerThis Pilates apparatus is a sophisticated system of springs, straps, and pulleys, with a gliding platform on which you can sit, kneel, stand, or lie on the front, back, or side. It i . . . View Full Definition

Reiki: Reiki involves the transfer of energy between practitioner and client to restore harmony to the body's energy and trigger the body's healing processes.

Roll Down: In exercises where you are asked to 'roll down,' you must work one vertebra at a time.

Scooping Your Abs: To scoop your abs means to draw the deepest layers of the abdominal muscles up and in to stabilize the body and support the back. This action supports powerful movement emanating from the ce . . . View Full Definition

Second-Generation Teacher: Refers to any teacher of Pilates who has learned the Method directly under one of Joseph Pilates' original students, known as 'first-generation teachers.' For example, Jillian Hessel is a se . . . View Full Definition

Shoulder Blades Into Your Back Pockets: An image to encourage upper back and shoulder stability. Visualize your shoulder blades moving down your back into the back pockets of your jeans.

Sitting Up Out Of Your Hips: An image to encourage length in the spine while seated. Initially, you may need to sit on a firm pillow to do this. Sending energy out of the top of your head and down through your pelvis wi . . . View Full Definition

Smile Muscles: The muscles at the base of your buttocks, where the backs of your thighs insert into your pelvis. They form a smiling U shape under each buttock when engaged.

Sniff Sniff, Blow Blow: A quick percussive breathing pattern used in conjunction with quick, precise movements. Breathe in percussively two times through your nose to inhale, and blow out percussively two times thr . . . View Full Definition

Spine Corrector: See Barrels.

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