Breathing properly is a key principle of Pilates, and every movement includes a breath pattern of an inhale through the nose and deep exhale from the mouth while making a loud "shhh" sound.  In this video, I demonstrate this Pilates breath pattern. I've been practicing and teaching Pilates for the last three years or so, and it wasn't until recently that I discovered that this Pilates breath is the best cure for hiccups.  Hiccups are caused by an involuntary spasm of your diaphragm.  The diaphragm plays a role in our breathing.  When you use the Pilates breath pattern, especially the exhale, you work the transverse abdominis, which is a deep lying abdominal muscle that connects with the diaphragm.  For me, performing a few of these breaths stops the hiccups.  Try it next time you get the hiccups! … [Read more...]