The 6 Principles of Romana’s Pilates—And Why They Matter in Every Class at LifeSpan Pilates NYC
Romana’s Pilates Grand Master, Sari Mejia Santo at LifeSpan Pilates
The Foundation of Romana’s Pilates International™
Pilates isn’t simply a collection of exercises—it’s a philosophy of movement rooted in six timeless principles. At LifeSpan Pilates, the only Romana’s Pilates certification center in New York City, these principles guide every session. They ensure that each exercise goes beyond fitness to cultivate awareness, alignment, and lasting transformation.
Here’s what the six principles mean—and how you’ll experience them in our Midtown Manhattan studio.
Concentration — Presence in Every Movement
Joseph Pilates often said, “Concentrate on the correct movement each time you do it.” Without focus, the work loses meaning. In our sessions, teachers direct your full attention to form, ensuring every action is intentional and effective.
Centering — The Powerhouse of the Body
The powerhouse—your abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes—is the center from which all movement flows. Romana’s Pilates begins here. Each exercise at LifeSpan strengthens this core so the entire body moves with stability and control.
Book a private session to experience how centering transforms posture and balance.
Control — Mastery, Not Momentum
In Pilates, slow and steady wins. Control ensures every movement is deliberate, not careless. Whether on the Reformer, Mat, or Cadillac, you’ll learn to move with precision, guided by your mind rather than momentum.
Breathing — Energy and Flow
Joseph Pilates emphasized full, vigorous breathing. At LifeSpan, instructors teach lateral breathing: expanding the ribcage wide, exhaling completely, and connecting breath to core. Breathing fuels the body with energy and helps integrate movement.
Precision — Alignment That Lasts
Every hand, foot, and joint has a place in Pilates. Precision ensures you train correct patterns, protecting your body and maximizing benefits. This attention to detail sets Romana’s Pilates apart from general fitness routines.
Learn about our certification program if you’re interested in mastering precision as a teacher.
Flow — Grace in Motion
Pilates is not mechanical—it is movement with rhythm, grace, and continuity. Flow connects one exercise to the next, building endurance and elegance. It’s why our students leave sessions feeling strong, supple, and alive.
Why the Principles Matter
The six principles are more than guidelines—they’re the DNA of Romana’s Pilates. By practicing them consistently at LifeSpan, you cultivate a body that moves with strength and a mind that lives with focus. This is how Pilates becomes not just exercise, but a way of life.