When people hear the word core, they often think about abdominal muscles or the appearance of their stomach. In classical Pilates, our understanding of the powerhouse is much broader. We pay attention to the relationship between the abdominals, back muscles, pelvis, and breathing, and how these areas work together to support movement.
Think about reaching for something on a high shelf or carrying a bag in one hand. Your body needs to coordinate your trunk, shoulders, hips, and legs to help you move efficiently. This is why we don’t want to think about the abdominals working in isolation. We want to develop a strong, responsive center that supports the rest of the body while allowing the arms and legs to move freely.
The next time you’re practicing Pilates, think about connecting to your powerhouse without gripping or holding your breath. We’re looking for support, not rigidity. With practice, that connection can become a more natural part of how you move.