Breath is the first and foremost principle of both Pilates and Walk-n-Roll Pilates™. Breathing is the body's mechanical process of filling our lungs with air. Air is made up of mostly Nitrogen and Oxygen. Oxygen is the base type of fuel for the body. Every cell is powered by the conversion of oxygen. Think of the body as a macrocosm made up of individual microcosms (cells). These cells convert the air and water to energy. On a side note, water aka. hydration is also very important for the body. Just keep drinking it! We'll get into that at a later time. Energy in the cells is called ATP for our purposes. ATP is the currency or energy that powers the Krebs Cycle. It is the final common pathway for all nutrient metabolites involved in energy production, and provides more than 90% of the body's energy.

That was a quick scientific explanation of the importance of breath. Breath has also been a major component in spiritual and religious concepts. Ya know, Divine Breath. Breath is equated with life and vitality. You can find references of breath in every major and probably most minor religions. Buddhist meditation is centered around the breath. As noted in Genesis, human beings as nepesh - unity of "dusty" body and divine breath. ( Please forgive a lack of sources and fancy links, as I have not figured out how to do that yet!). Christianity speaks about the breath of Christ all the time. I think those three examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the importance of breath in religious thought.

Joseph Pilates is the "spiritual father/founder" of a movement, philosophy, form of exercise, revolution (call it whatever you will/like, just call it!) we know and love as Pilates. In his book, Return to Life Through Contrology, he states, "Breathing is the first act of life, and the last. Our very life depends on it. Since we cannot live without breathing, it is tragically deplorable to contemplate the millions and millions who have never learned to master the art of correct breathing. One often wonders how so many millions can continue to live as long as they do under this tremendous handicap to longevity. Lazy breathing converts the lungs, figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying, and dead germs as well as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs. Therefore, above all, learn how to breathe correctly. "SQUEEZE" EVERY ATOM OF AIR FROM YOUR LUNGS UNTIL THEY ARE ALMOST AS FREE OF AIR AS IS A VACUUM."

Walk-n-Roll Pilates™ draws on this principle using a revolutionary new form of footwear called MBTs®. As you will notice in the picture below, MBTs® have a rocker-bottom sole. This sole and the special sensor at the heel called a Masai Sensor are what sets this shoe apart from any other shoe available to humans. MBTs® encourage correct alignment and facilitate that action. When the body is in correct alignment, the organs, muscles, fascia, bones, etc. have more space to breathe! See where we are going with this?....If you are interested in our workshop, see details above. If you are outside of the Los Angeles area, we can arrange to come to you. Contact us.