When it comes to Pilates, one of the most important — and sometimes most misunderstood — principles is precision. At first glance, “precision” might sound a bit intimidating, as if every movement has to be perfect. But in truth, it’s not about perfection at all. It’s about attention — learning to move with care, awareness, and purpose.
In Pilates, every exercise has a specific goal: to strengthen the body in a balanced way. That means how you move is just as important as what you’re moving. Precision helps ensure that each motion engages the right muscles, aligns the body correctly, and avoids unnecessary strain. Instead of mindlessly swinging your leg or crunching your abs, you learn to fine-tune your movements so that your body works as an integrated, efficient system.
Think of it like learning to play an instrument. At first, you might focus on hitting the right notes — in this case, positioning your body correctly. As you practice, you start to refine your technique, noticing the small adjustments that make a big difference in how it feels and sounds. The same happens in Pilates. Over time, you become more aware of your posture, the placement of your limbs, even how your breath supports each motion.
Precision isn’t about moving faster or doing more reps. In fact, Pilates encourages slowing down so you can focus on quality over quantity. That’s where real strength and control come from — not in big, flashy movements, but in the subtle art of doing things well.
This principle also has a wonderful carryover into daily life. When you practice precision on the mat, you naturally start to notice your posture at your desk, how you climb stairs, or how you stand in line. Your body awareness grows, and that awareness helps you move more efficiently and comfortably throughout your day.
Ultimately, precision in Pilates is an act of mindfulness. It invites you to tune in rather than zone out, to move with intention rather than habit. And as you do, you’ll discover that small adjustments — a lifted chest, a lengthened spine, a deepened breath — can lead to big changes, both in how your body feels and how confidently you move through the world.
If you would like to join one of my Sevenoaks Pilates classes, please contact me: sharon@sharonsnowdonpilates.co.uk.