Is mindfulness a new Pilates trend?

A recent client asked me a wonderful question:

"Is mindfulness in Pilates a new trend?"

I love when clients ask questions like this because it creates an opportunity to deepen our understanding of this incredible method together.

The simple answer is no.

Mindfulness has always been at the heart of Pilates. In fact, the entire method is built upon the concept of the mind-body connection.

The slightly longer answer is that mindfulness isn't something that has recently been added to Pilates—it has been there from the very beginning. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the method, believed that for our bodies to experience the full benefits of Pilates, our minds needed to be actively engaged in the practice as well.

When I teach, I guide my clients through the fundamental principles of Pilates. They may not always realise it's happening, but these principles are woven into every session. Reflecting on this question, I've realised there may be an opportunity for me to begin naming and teaching these principles more explicitly in class.

The guiding principles of Pilates are:

• Concentration

• Control

• Centreing

• Precision

• Flowing Movement

• Breath

• Alignment

• Commitment

These principles cannot exist without mindfulness. They require our attention, awareness, and presence. Without the active participation of the mind, we are simply moving our bodies—we are no longer fully practising Pilates.

Mindfulness is woven through every principle. It is what transforms exercise into a mindful movement practice.

From a client's perspective, this often looks like:

• Becoming more aware of their body, both during class and in everyday life.

• Recognising movement habits and patterns, and gradually refining them.

• Developing greater confidence in their body's abilities.

• Feeling stronger, more flexible, and more connected to themselves.

• Improving posture and moving through life with less tension and stress.

Over time, Pilates teaches us to listen to our bodies more closely. It invites us to slow down, pay attention, and move with intention.

When practised through its guiding principles, Pilates becomes much more than a form of exercise. It creates a deeper connection between body and mind, bringing us into a truly mindful movement experience.

With gratitude,

Jodie