Sometimes when I’m teaching I’ll cue people to look at a certain place. I may say “You should be looking at your knees, not your toes” or “Look over your shoulder.”
While watching some videos on the concepts of Pilates (as one does), an instructor used a similar cue (that’s not atypical). But she added: “It’s not enough to look. You have to see.”
I loved the concept.
It’s not enough to look. You have to see.
The concept instills the idea of intention and being present. And it doesn’t have to be limited to Pilates. Think of all the times we drive somewhere on autopilot. We’re looking, but probably not seeing. In the Pilates realm seeing vs looking can spark our attention and help us reconnect with the moves.
In playing with the concept in my own practice of Pilates focusing on what I actually see as I move helps me stay in tune with my body. It makes sense. Balance is easier with the eyes open. Vision helps us sense ourselves in space. It’s basically doubling up the senses and utilizing more of the tools in our body.
So whether you do Pilates or another style of fitness, next time you exercise try to really see what you’re doing. Notice if that helps you cue into what you are feeling in your body.
