My approach to practicing Pilates is to incorporate 6 core principles which include concentration, control, centering, precision, breath and flow.
What this means is paying attention to your body's movements and engage your core, and maintain proper alignment, while also breathing consciously throughout each exercise.
Beginners of Pilates can benefit from beginning with mat Pilates or personal training, especially when you're using equipment for Pilates like the Reformer.
Within the Pilates practice, there are several different approaches; fitness, medical, and somatic; each focuses on a specific resolution the practitioner is looking to achieve.