Brand Ambassador, Brenda-li gives us insight on body attunement through the practice of pilates!

Body Attunement
The Pilates method, or the “art of contrology” began for me as a way of rehabilitation and injury prevention after sustaining various injuries from dancing with American Ballet Theater. After my retirement from dancing professionally, Pilates became a way for me to keep that long, lean look of a dancer. Now, after over 14 years of teaching the Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow, it’s evolved into a kind of moving meditation, a total alignment and full expression of the body, mind, and Spirit. It’s a way to expand my awareness- not of just my body, but of my sensitivity, of my inner life, and of the connection to something more than what I see in just the physical body- it’s the attunement to life itself. Some refer to this as being in the zone, in the flow, completely centered, completely connected to one’s source of power, yet relaxed, as opposed to “muscling though” or “pushing through” exercises (or life, for that matter). Being in that space, or in the zone, movement looks effortless. Although everything seems effortless, the effort is in the discipline and focus to maintain and sustain. It brings me joy to guide my students into the full expression of a movement, so they can have that magical moment and build upon that experience. They are just as much my teachers as I am theirs. When I see them connect while doing a Pilates move, it’s like an “Aha!” moment, a moment of clarity and upliftment for both of us. That moment takes the cake for me. Sculpted muscles and a strong, healthy body just happen to be the icing on the cake.

Brenda-li wears:
*White SOLOW by FP Movement Mesh Raglan Top
*Medium Heather Grey SOLOW by FP Movement Fold Over Frill Legging
*SOLOW by FP Movement Tie Dye Workout Tank in Bright Aqua
*SOLOW Jersey Crop Legging in Black