What type of movement does unilateral breathing facilitate according to Polestar principles?

Unilateral breathing facilitates lateral flexion according to Polestar principles because it creates asymmetrical activation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which in turn influences the positioning and movement of the rib cage. When one side of the rib cage expands more than the other, it promotes the lateral bending of the spine toward the side that is inhaled into. This technique is often used in Pilates to enhance the awareness of body alignment and improve the balance of muscle engagement on both sides of the body, making lateral flexion more fluid and intentional.

In contrast, the other movement types do not align as closely with the mechanics of unilateral breathing. Spinal rotation would generally require different muscular engagement and diaphragmatic control. Backward bending and forward flexion also involve different patterns of rib cage movement and spinal alignment, typically requiring coordinated bilateral breathing rather than the asymmetrical approach provided by unilateral breathing.