Flow State - a state where magic can happen.
Just as a perfect cake can only be made from flour, sugar, eggs, and butter when the ingredients are in perfect proportion, similarly, the Pilates principles alone don't make an excellent training method - the true magic of flow emerges only when breathing, precision, control, and focus unite into a harmonious whole. Joseph Pilates compared the flow of movements to the flexibility and grace of a cat. The foundation of flow in Pilates training is movement quality, which requires sequence, smoothness, and complete body integration in every movement, every exercise, and every transition from one exercise to another. This encompasses rhythm and synergy, balanced muscle activity and relaxation, ultimately creating an experience that feels much more satisfying than conventional training.
How to achieve such flexibility and grace? On a physical level, we can learn to sense and influence our fascia. This connective tissue network, which surrounds and connects all body muscles, bones, organs, and blood vessels, allows different parts of our body to move as an integrated system. Fascia can be flexible and elastic, but it can also become rigid and tense due to stress, lack of movement, or injuries. Good fascial health is essential for ease of movement and overall body wellbeing. Our fascial tone, or the relationship between flexibility and rigidity, determines how elastic and smooth our movements are and what range of motion allows the fascia to recover or return to its original state. This is called elastic recoil, similar to a "yo-yo range." Each of us has our unique "yo-yo range," which can vary day to day depending on the body's natural elasticity. When we learn to sense how our body recovers – like a yo-yo pulling back to its place after stretching – we can bring more flow and endurance to our movement. This awareness is enhanced in Pilates training through Pilates machines, where exercises are performed by controlling spring tension. Similar to yo-yo work, springs teach us to guide and control movements and sense our body's "springiness," in other words, discovering and controlling our body's "internal springs."
In addition to fascia, our body also has an energetic system - invisible energy channels or meridians that support health and balance, allowing life energy to flow freely, invigorating and nourishing all body systems. Good health depends on how smoothly energy moves through these channels. When blockages occur – whether physical or emotional – the effect is comparable to a dam forming in a river: excessive pressure and flooding occur in some areas while others remain dry. In Pilates training, energy channels are processed through specific movements and Pilates machines. Combining aligned body movement and breathing, through conscious stretching, twisting, and rotating movements, we can figuratively "squeeze like a sponge" the energy channels and thereby promote the free flow of restorative energy to the fingertips and toes.
When we expand our focus from internal body flow to the dynamics of the entire training session, embodying flow means expressing our inner rhythm - natural harmonious movement, breathing, and energy flow - throughout the exercise series. This means that exercises aren't just about technical movements but also about sensing and following the internal flow. When training begins, we are fully present, letting energy flows carry us from the beginning of training to its satisfying end. Creative transitions, consciously structured exercise sequences, and following breathing throughout the session – all these help create flow, whether choosing a classical Pilates series or a more creative approach.
Looking even broader, flow becomes something more than physical movement – it transforms into an experience that encompasses our entire being. Neuroscience confirms that activities that lead us to the "flow state" bring extraordinary benefits for brain and body. When an activity presents just the right challenge according to our skill level, it requires complete focus and presence. In such a deep concentration state, self-awareness disappears and external concerns dissipate. Intense focus leads to loss of time perception, and all our sensory organs and movement mechanisms work in harmony to achieve an optimal experience. Flow state ignites sensations of joy and self-discovery. When an activity provides enough satisfaction, motivation arises to return and experience it again. Meanwhile, it teaches us to feel elation over achievement – a feeling that subtly begins to influence other areas of life.
Therefore, when it's "Pilates-time," tune into your breathing, listen to your body, and allow yourself to go with the rhythm. It's more than just training – it's an opportunity to find a deeper connection with yourself. If you're ready to experience the magic of Pilates training, come join the class!