Abs: Or abdominals, referring to the muscles in the front of the stomach. They form part of the Powerhous
Articulate: In exercise jargon, this means to differentiate the spinal column one vertebra at a time.
B.E.A.M.: An acronym denoting the four Pilates Fundamentals that Jillian focuses on in her approach to trainin
Barrels: The large and small Barrels used in the Pilates Method enhance breathing, develop both the arms and
Body-Mind Connection: The state of focusing the mind on the body's movements. To some extent Pilates represents a blend of
Bootie Camp: A series of exercises focused on toning the butt.
Breathing 100s: If you had gone to Joseph Pilates for a lesson half a century ago, this is the first of the classic
C Curve: The torso forms a 'C' shape with concavity in front of the body.
Cadillac: Also called 'The Rack' or 'Trapeze Table,' this popular piece of equipment is one of the most effect
Centering: One of the most important of the six Principles of Pilates, and the main focus of the method, since
Chair: The apparatus helps you to find and strengthen your Powerhouse. It helps to develop the knees and re
Chin Tucked: Tucking the chin elongates the muscles in the back of the neck and can provide a good stretch for th
Contrology: This is name given by Joseph H. Pilates to his series of exercises developed in the early to mid-190
Core Strength: Your core muscles not only include your abdominals, but also your back, pelvic, and hips. Strong cor
First-Generation Teacher: Refers to any teacher of Pilates who learned the Method directly under Joseph Pilates. Some of the m
Floor Exercises: Also called mat class. In these classes, we work on the floor using our own bodies for resistance.
Foot On The Walk: A position where the full weight of the foot is balanced on the forefoot only ?€” the heel is li
Gyrotonics: Is an exercise system that employs movements found in swimming, yoga, gymnastics, and tai chi. This
Headlights: CadillacImaginary headlights that shine out from the front of your pelvic bones. Visualizing these h
Hip Belt: An imaginary belt slung low across your hips, from one pelvic bone to the other. Visualizing tighten
Hundred: This is found for several exercises, the first of which is the Mat, and is used for warming up and w
Imprinting: The action of isolating each individual vertebra of the spine, using either the breath and/or moveme
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
Level Your Eyes: To focus your eyes horizontally straight ahead of you. Leveling your eyes will help maintain proper
Magic Circle: Magic CircleA simple isometric device comprising a flexible ring with handles. Can be used to firm t
Marionette String: An image to encourage lengthening throughout your spine. Visualize a string extending from the crown
Mat: The most popular Pilates apparatus, since it is the most economical and can be used at home, on the
Mind-Body Conditioning: The Pilates Method stresses the blend of Western and Eastern approaches to well-being. The Western a
Navel To Spine: The process of drawing your abdominal muscles up and in as you imagine your navel drawing toward you
Neck Lengthened: An element of good posture achieved by sending energy out the top of the head. A lengthened neck mai
Neutral Spine: A balanced spine that maintains its natural curves. Pilates encourages you to identify and achieve y
Parallel Stance: When the feet, ankles, knees, and legs are aligned directly under the hip joints, with the toes poin
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
Pilates On The Ball: The use of the ball, often called a Stability or Swiss ball, primarily works muscles in the legs, ab
Pilates Performer: The apparatus is the home version of the Universal Performer. It provides a wide range of exercises,
Pilates Principles: The six core principles that govern the correct execution of Pilates exercises, namely, Breathing, C
Pilates Stance: A position of slight outward rotation of the thighs, originating from the hip sockets. When you stan
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
Powerhouse: Also called 'the girdle of strength.' The area between the bottom of your rib cage and the line acro
Qi Gong: This practice involves a combination of movement, meditation, and breathing that balances the flow o
Rebounder: Is a mini-trampoline. Rebounding (bouncing on the trampoline) is a gentle, low-impact exercise that
Reformer: ReformerThis Pilates apparatus is a sophisticated system of springs, straps, and pulleys, with a gli
Reiki: Reiki involves the transfer of energy between practitioner and client to restore harmony to the body
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 t
Second-Generation Teacher: Refers to any teacher of Pilates who has learned the Method directly under one of Joseph Pilates' or
Shoulder Blades Into Your Back Pockets: An image to encourage upper back and shoulder stability. Visualize your shoulder blades moving down
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 pil
Smile Muscles: The muscles at the base of your buttocks, where the backs of your thighs insert into your pelvis. Th
Sniff Sniff, Blow Blow: A quick percussive breathing pattern used in conjunction with quick, precise movements. Breathe in p
Spine Corrector: See Barrels.
The Rack: Also called 'The Cadillac' or 'Trapeze Table,' this popular piece of equipment is one of the most ef
Trapeze Table: Also called 'The Rack' or 'Cadillac,' this popular piece of equipment is one of the most effective a
Triangles: An image to suggest the internal and external oblique abs, which run on opposite diagonals across th
Two-Way Energy: The element of opposition used in Pilates exercise. Pressing the feet firmly into the floor while ex
Universal Reformer: See Reformer.
Vertebrae: VertebraeThe 32 to 34 bones that make up the spine. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs t
Wunda Chair: Designed to stretch and strengthen muscle groups like the back and deep abdominal muscles, the Wunda
Zipper: An image to draw the lower abs up and in, as in 'zipping the lower abs.' Visualize zipping up a very
