In the Pilates method, progress isn’t measured only by strength or flexibility. It also shows up — and often more importantly — in the way you move, feel, and understand your body.
Here are 5 clear signs that your practice is evolving in the right direction.
1. You understand the purpose of an exercise
In the beginning, we move simply “because the teacher says so.”
Then one day, everything shifts: you perform an exercise and suddenly know exactly what you’re aiming for.
You understand which muscles should activate, how to place your breath, and how the movement fits into the rest of the method.
This is a real turning point: you’re no longer moving by imitation, but with intention.
2. You Pay More Attention to Sensations Than to Perfect Form
Progress in Pilates shows up when aesthetics take a back seat to what you feel.
You’re no longer trying to mimic the perfect demonstration — you want to feel the right engagement.
You start paying attention to:
- the stability of your center,
- the flow of your breath,
- the quality rather than the quantity of movement.
This shift — from appearance to sensation — is one of the strongest indicators of maturity in the method.
3. Holding a position simply makes you tremble
Trembling is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that you’re exactly where you should be, working deep and precisely.
When you reach the right activation, your body responds. The deep stabilizing muscles wake up, the ones you don’t always recruit in daily life.
This trembling is a message: “Your are working from the right spot.”
4. You remember the names of the exercises
Hundred, Roll Up, Rolling like a ball, Teaser…
When the names start to make sense, it means you’re truly integrating the method.
Remembering the exercises’ names helps you:
- understand their logic,
- see what they have in common,
- anticipate their goals.
You’re no longer just following along — you’re becoming an active participant in your session.
5. Your focus gets sharp
In Pilates, concentration is one of the six fundamental principles.
With practice, it becomes more natural: you slip more easily into a focused state where your mind quiets and everything recenters.
You’re less distracted, more grounded, and you leave your session with a renewed sense of clarity.
That is a sure sign that you’re progressing — not only in your body but in your mind as well.
In Conclusion
Progress in Pilates isn’t only about more “advanced” movements.
It shows in the quality of your attention, your understanding, your listening, and your commitment.
If you notice these signs, congratulations — your body is evolving, but more importantly, your practice is mindfully becoming deeper, more conscious, and more personal !
Warm regards,
Kelly
