“Meet your feet!” This is what I like to say to someone when I am introducing them to the Pilates principles of alignment and posture.
I organize their bodies to help determine the correct form, in terms of how to stand, sit, kneel, and recline – all in good alignment without strain. We start at the foundation – which is the feet – and work from the ground to the crown.
Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci said that the human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art? The human foot is a wonder to behold and yet is seldom told. Our wonderful (and sometimes under-appreciated) feet do so much for us. We sometimes take them for granted until there is pain or tales of woe elsewhere in the body.
It behooves us to not just make their acquaintance, but to really instill a bond. Think of the feet as the ‘boots on the ground’. As in, they are the first line of defense against ‘attacks’ of compression forces and collapse. In addition, the human foot has so much to do with our overall skeletal support. For example; our spine, hips, and knees greatly rely upon them. Literally so.
As if our feet weren’t busy enough, they naturally help to stabilize our coordinated dynamic balance as we move. And did you know that feet are endowed with tremendous pain and sensory perceptions – more than any other area in the body. Wow! Think of the feet as organic high-tech devices!
Joseph H. Pilates, being a physical therapist and the founder of the Pilates Method (originally called Contrology) understood that the human foot was key in the foundation of the body’s support system. He likened it to the foundation of a building. In that, if it isn’t structurally sound, then the entire integrity of the building is compromised. But of course, it’s the overall core of the body which seals the deal for the ultimate support.
I teach that the core is everything but our limbs. Basically, from our bottom to our brain. So, may I say to you, “Meet your feet?!
* Stand or sit, recognizing three natural weight-bearing centers of each foot.
* Perceive both sides of the ball, and the center of your heel.
* Loosen, lengthen, and spread toes* Notice how you are distributing your body weight.
* Balance evenly as though you have a tripod of three suction cups under each foot.
Now, let’s not have our being down there. Imagine energy is rising from the ground, through the gateway of the arch of the feet, surging through your crown – lifting you upward and beyond.
It’s been said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Should this sound too lofty, know that if you perceive it, you can receive it.
