Pilates Power Animal of the Month

"This true rhythm and control is observed both in domestic pets and wild animals - without exception."
_{quote from Joseph Pilates}

Joseph Pilates was much inspired by the way animals move. He went to zoos to watch animals in motion, he recounted the virtues of animal movement in his writing, and he encouraged students to observe the movement of animals for themselves. We even have a number of Pilates exercises named after animals, seal and swan, for example.


Animals are wonderful teachers. I think we can learn a lot by taking inspiration from Joseph Pilates, and once a month, choose an animal to learn from. This month, it's the cat.

In Joseph Pilates book, Return to Life through Contrology, he has a wonderful section where he talks about how the cat's back muscles ripple as it stretches and relaxes itself. And about how the cat is so utterly relaxed when it sleeps. Pilates reminds us that his exercises encourage this constant stretching and relaxing (are we forgetting the relaxing part?).


Cats move with grace and power, accomplishing what they need to do without overly-developed muscles -- just as balanced and efficient muscular development is one of the priorities of the Pilates method. To me, cat-like movement embodies all of the Pilates principles: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. Just take a look at the young cheetah navigating the branch in the photo above. Every part is working in harmony. Let's let the suppleness of cats inform the way to move.

Do you have an idea for a Pilates Power Animal of the Month? Send your suggestion to: pilates.guide@about.com. Remember to tell me why you are nominating that animal. If you have a picture you can share, send it.
See more Pilates Power Animals

_{photo:Theo Allofs/Getty Images}