Move with Purpose: The Axis Pilates Master Glossary

In our 15 years as Pilates instructors and 12 years as business owners at Axis Pilates Studio in Leatherhead, we’ve seen the transformative power of mindful movement. We’ve trained extensively across the industry, and if there is one thing we know for sure, it’s this: precision comes from understanding.

You might have seen general Pilates glossaries online, but we wanted to create something personal for our studio. This guide defines the language we use in our classes to help you bridge the gap between “just doing the move” and truly feeling the benefit.

The Evolution: Classical vs Contemporary Pilates

Pilates is not a static practice; it has evolved alongside modern science. Today, we distinguish between two main approaches.

Classical Pilates

This preserves the original work of Joseph Pilates, originally called “Contrology”, exactly as it was taught in the early 20th century. It follows a specific order of exercises and often utilises a tucked pelvis or flat-back position.

Contemporary Pilates

This is the heart of Axis Pilates. It takes the original principles and updates them with modern biomechanics and physiotherapy research. We focus heavily on neutral spine, functional movement, and adapting the repertoire to the individual body in front of us.

Why We Are APPI Trained and Qualified

We are qualified with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI). APPI bridges the gap between clinical physiotherapy and Pilates. It is a contemporary approach that breaks down traditional exercises into safe, manageable levels. This makes it ideal for everyone, from those recovering from a back injury to athletes looking for a performance edge.

Our Movement Philosophy: The Foundations

At Axis, we don’t just move for the sake of moving. We filter every exercise through a set of core intentions and physical check-ins to ensure your workout is both safe and effective.

The 8 Intentions of Every Session

These are the mental gears that drive your workout:

• Breathing: Using the breath to fuel the blood and engage the deep core.
• Concentration: Bringing your full mental focus to the specific muscle being worked.
• Control: Every movement is deliberate; we never use momentum.
• Centering: Finding your “powerhouse” — the source of all your physical energy.
• Precision: It’s not about how many reps you do, but how perfectly you do one.
• Flow: Transitions between exercises should be smooth, seamless, and graceful.
• Integrated Isolation: Learning to move one limb while the rest of the body remains a stable anchor.
• Routine: Consistency is what builds long-term neurological and physical change.

The Axis Check-In

Before we move, we always find our home base using these five structural markers:

• Breathing: Wide, lateral ribcage breathing to maintain core support.
• Centering: A gentle drawing in of the deep abdominals and pelvic floor.
• Ribcage Placement: Ensuring the ribs stay knitted and connected to the hips.
• Shoulder Blade Placement: Keeping the shoulder blades wide and heavy down the back.
• Head and Neck Position: Maintaining a long cervical spine and avoiding chin poking.

The Deep Dive: Essential Pilates Vocabulary

The Modern Landscape

• Proprioception: Your “sixth sense”. It’s your brain’s ability to know where your limbs are in space without looking at them. Pilates is a masterclass in proprioception.
• Fascial Health: Beyond muscles, we work on fascia — the connective tissue body suit that wraps around everything. Contemporary Pilates focuses on keeping this tissue hydrated and elastic.
• Nervous System Regulation: We don’t just train muscles; we train the brain. By focusing on breath and control, we move the body from a stress state (sympathetic) to a rest and repair state (parasympathetic).

Body Positions and Directions

• Prone vs Supine: Prone is lying face down; supine is lying on your back.
• Neutral Spine and Pelvis: The position where your spine is in its most resilient, natural S-curve.
• Imprinting: Gently tilting the pelvis back to close the gap between your lower back and the mat, used for extra stability.
• Flexion / Extension / Hyperextension: Flexion is bending forward; extension is arching back; hyperextension is moving a joint beyond its normal straight line, often seen in elbows or knees.
• Abduction / Adduction: Abduction is moving away from your centre; adduction is pulling toward your midline.
• Articulation: Moving the spine bone-by-bone, like a string of pearls.
• Plantar Flexion / Dorsiflexion: Plantar flexion is pointing your toes; dorsiflexion is pulling your toes back towards your shins.
• Protraction / Retraction: Sliding shoulder blades away from the spine versus pulling them towards the spine.
• Elevation / Depression: Shrugging shoulders up versus sliding them down.

The Studio Tools

• The Box: This can refer to your body box, the square formed by your shoulders and hips, or the equipment box used on the Reformer to change the angle of exercises.
• The Reformer: Our signature machine using springs and pulleys for resistance.
• Trapeze Table (Cadillac): A versatile frame for deep stretching and supported strengthening.
• Specialised Apparatus: Tools like the Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, and Spring Board are designed to challenge balance and spinal mobility.
• Small Props: We use Magic Circles, resistance bands, foam rollers, and stability balls to add feedback and variety to your movement.

Why Mindful Movement Matters in Everyday Life

At Axis Pilates Studio, we provide an education in your own body. Our small classes allow us to guide you with the high-level, personalised instruction you deserve.

Every movement has an objective. When you move with understanding, you gain more than just core strength — you gain a body that supports you in your everyday life. Whether you’re reaching for a cupboard, sitting at a desk, or running a marathon, the mindful movement you learn here stays with you.