Strength and control
Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology control of the body through the mind. The strength he was after wasn't about lifting heavy weights, but about moving with precision, stabilising a joint and mastering every phase of a movement.
Strength you can use
You notice this kind of strength in everyday life: carrying a child or your shopping without straining your back, taking the stairs with ease, catching yourself when you lose your balance. It relies on the right mix of power, coordination and control.
On the Reformer, the springs resist the movement as much as they support it. The carriage has to be controlled on its way back rather than allowed to snap home: this often-overlooked phase is where control is built.
In the studio: the teaser, the ultimate test of control
Supported by the carriage, hands in the straps, you roll up into balance with your legs extended, your body forming a V. The teaser calls for strength, balance and coordination all at once, which makes it one of the most demanding exercises in the repertoire.
It's tempting to rely on momentum: you throw yourself forward, your legs drop, your neck tenses and your back collapses at the end of the movement. The exercise gets done, but the control is missing.
Alexandra's eye
Alexandra builds up the teaser step by step, with preparatory variations suited to your level. She slows the tempo, corrects your alignment and reminds you to breathe, so that the strength comes from your centre rather than from momentum.
She encourages you to go further when you're ready, but never pushes you beyond your limits. Her ongoing training means she keeps adding new variations, so every session remains a fresh challenge, at your own pace.
Curious to learn more or give it a try? Book your session at the Alina Pilates Reformer studio in Carouge.
