“What is the purpose of learning how to properly use the iliopsoas muscle, and how does this affect exercise technique from a Pilates perspective?”

This was the question asked of me, which led to an interesting few days of contemplation about how I think, what I teach, how I originally learned many of the Pilates exercises, and how my teaching has evolved as I’ve grown and deepened my understanding of human movement and the work of Joseph H. Pilates.

With much to say on the topic, I foresee an Iliopsoas: Part 2, to continue discussion of techniques to facilitate finding the psoas and releasing the rectus femoris as the primary hip flexor. Understanding this muscles action and purpose can help teachers, and students develop effective ways to tweak Pilates technique and gain greater benefits from their Pilates workouts.