If Heather Tells Me to Breathe One More Time...

Let's be honest...

If you've taken more than one Pilates class with me, you've probably heard me say, "Breathe!" approximately 7,462 times.

And maybe, just maybe, you've caught yourself thinking...

"Heather...I AM breathing. I'm still alive, aren't I?" 😆

Fair enough.

The thing is, I'm not reminding you to breathe because I'm worried you're going to pass out. I'm reminding you because how you breathe is one of the biggest game changers in Pilates.

In fact, I'd argue it's one of the things that separates Classical Pilates from simply going through the motions.

You're Going to breathe Anyway...

Let's start with the obvious.

Whether you're doing Pilates, walking your dog, or binge-watching Netflix, you're going to breathe. Your body has that part covered.

But in Pilates, we're not using breath just to get oxygen. We're using it to wake up one of the deepest and most important muscles in your core: the transverse abdominis.

I know...it's a mouthful.

Think of it as your body's built-in corset.

Unlike your "six-pack" muscles that run up and down the front of your abdomen, the transverse abdominis wraps all the way around your trunk. When it engages, it gently cinches your waist, helps stabilize your spine, supports your posture, and creates a strong foundation for movement.

Basically...it's the quiet overachiever of the core.

So...What's Different About Pilates Breathing?

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that you should breathe into your belly.

Not in Pilates.

Because we're trying to keep those deep abdominal muscles engaged, we want the breath to expand into the rib cage instead.

Here's a quick way to feel it.

Place your hands on the sides of your ribs. Take a deep breath in through your nose and notice your ribs expanding out to the sides. Now exhale through your mouth and create a soft "Hhhhhhhhh..." sound, almost like you're fogging up a mirror.

Feel what happens?

Your ribs gently knit back together as you empty the lungs and squeeze out all of that old, stale air. That forced exhalation isn't just moving air. It's helping recruit your deepest abdominal muscles and creating a stronger connection through your core.

Pretty cool, right?

Why Does It Matter?

Here's the fun part.

Even if you're doing an exercise that doesn't feel particularly challenging, proper breathing changes everything.

Suddenly, you're not just moving your arms or legs. You're training your core with every single repetition.

When you combine your Pilates breath with a gentle pelvic floor engagement, your body starts working as one connected system. Instead of relying on the muscles you can see, you're strengthening the muscles that support you from the inside out.

That's why Pilates often feels so different from other workouts. The movements may look simple, but there's a whole lot happening beneath the surface.

So here's your challenge...

The next time you're in class, don't worry about making the exercise bigger or harder.

Instead, make your breath your focus.

As you inhale through your nose, imagine your rib cage expanding in every direction. As you exhale with that gentle "Hhhhhhhhhh..." sound, feel your ribs knit back together while your deep core naturally joins the party.

It might feel a little awkward at first, and that's okay. Like anything in Pilates, it takes practice. But once it clicks, you'll wonder how you ever exercised without it.

And the next time you hear me remind you to breathe, you'll know I'm not just filling the silence. 😉 I'm helping you unlock one of the most powerful tools your body already has.

Happy breathing, happy moving, and I'll see you in the studio!