Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is a form of body conditioning created almost  90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates.  His methods are designed to stretch, strengthen, and align the body without excessive strain on joints.

What is Pilates?

The Pilates Method is a system of exercises that balances strength and flexibility, improving posture, reducing stress and creating long, lean muscles. The method is designed to engage the mind and condition the total body.
The studio equipment utilizes spring tension which offers the ability to challenge the body in resistance while also providing support as you become proficient with the movements.

Benefits of Pilates:

  • Increase muscular strength and stability
  • Improve flexibility and joint range of motion
  • Reduce the risk of injury
  • Aid recovery after injury
  • Enhance development of specific sport related skills – agility, balance, and coordination

Ever wondered what Pilates can do for you? Come in and experience it for yourself! Get to know the Pilates Reformer in one of our highly intuitive private, semi-private, or group equipment classes.

Who uses Pilates?

Pilates is currently being used by people of all walks of life. Amateur to pro athletes, prenatal/postnatal women, teenagers to seniors. As Pilates is a non-impact form of exercise, it has become widely used in helping those who are post rehab to continue building strength and functionality.

In each 55 minute class, you’ll get a chance to experience the Pilates Method while utilizing a specialized piece of Pilates equipment known as the Reformer. The method of low impact resistance exercises balance, core strength, and overall flexibility to achieve a mind/body challenge.

 

Find out how Pilates can benefit YOU:

Post Rehab
Pre and Post Natal Exercise
Training for Athletes

FAQs

kevin-cuingWe understand when you’re first getting started with Pilates that you might have some questions. Below we’ve included some of the most common ones – so please read on.

If you have a question we didn’t answer – we’d love to hear it! Leave a comment and we’ll send you an answer.

 

 

I'm new to Pilates. What is the best way to start?

We recommend that you take private sessions first. The one-on-one attention you get in a private session will allow you to really learn the principles, and how the exercises should be performed.  Because you will have shared your health history and goals during your initial appointment, you will learn any modifications that might be needed for your body.

 

 

 

And then, if you choose to do group reformer classes, you will not only be more comfortable with the pace, but you’ll understand how to apply proper technique and experience greater benefits. Click here to see Intro Package Details.

How can beginners get the most benefit from Pilates?

It’s especially important to be consistent in the beginning. The greatest benefits don’t come from simply trying it once. Commit to successive weeks of practice for at least a month. Another tip, and this may sound simple, but it’s important to be present. Your private or group session is time to focus solely on you. Your breath, and your being. Part of the experience of Pilates is creating this nurturing time for yourself in your movement practice.

Get to know the Pilates Principles and keep these things in mind when you exit the outside world and come into the studio for your session.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a mind-body exercise technique created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Originally called “Contrology,” its hallmark is creating core strength and spinal flexibility. Well-suited for today’s lifestyle, Pilates addresses issues that everyone—young or old—faces, including:

· Poor posture and sedentary living: modern living frequently calls for us to be in stationary positions, whether we’re sitting at the computer, driving, watching TV, playing video games or working at a desk. These activities require little or poor use of our postural muscles

· Stress, the dogma of modern living.

In our hectic day to-day lives, it’s easy to fall into compensatory patterns that are inefficient for our joints and muscles and, over time, could set you up for injury. Pilates primarily incorporates proper activation of the core, relaxation and breathing techniques and stretching. It also requires total concentration so you can execute accurate and organized movement. Practicing Pilates regularly helps you become aware of your patterns and puts you on a course toward efficient movement and injury prevention.

Is Pilates a good workout for men?

Pilates has never been “just for women” and its benefits are certainly not gender-biased. In the 1920’s Joseph Pilates , an avid boxer, swimmer and gymnast,  introduced his method as a way to help injured athletes return to exercise and maintain fitness. The Pilates method has become well established in fitness and is practiced by athletes and celebrities such as Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods. They use Pilates as cross-training to maintain core strength, flexibility and focus.

Want to introduce a man in your life to Pilates?  Consider booking semi-private sessions so that you can work out together. You will leave the studio refreshed and relaxed which makes a great beginning to a date night!

What do I wear for Pilates?

 Avoid oversized clothes. Dress comfortably in slightly fitted clothing so your movements are free and the instructor can accurately observe your body and form during the workout. Shoes are not required and while you can have bare feet, socks are recommended.  ToeSox or similar grip-sock is ideal.

For our guys, no baggy shorts!  Our male clients typically wear an Under Armour support short underneath regular workout shorts; or a long lightly fitted pant.

What results can I expect from doing Pilates?

Expect to see an increase in flexibility, mobility and balance; improved posture; overall strength; and a decrease in back/other general body pains. You should also notice better core strength integration with your daily and recreational activities.

How soon will I see results?

Creator of the method, Joseph Pilates said: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”. Results will vary based on your level of fitness and the regularity of your practice.

Will I be sore from my session?

 It depends on your body and fitness level. Pilates doesn’t fatigue the muscles to exhaustion. Instead, it uses movement, mental focus and muscle memory to build strength and body awareness. Your body is developing as you work to make new habits and change from old compensatory patterns. As typical with other types of training, you may experience some soreness a day or two after the session.

I’m pregnant. Is Pilates good for me?

Pilates is safe throughout pregnancy. However, before beginning Pilates while pregnant, it is key to consult your Doctor.  If you’re currently in a Pilates program and become pregnant, be sure to share that information with your instructor.

Our recommendation is that you take private sessions when you are pregnant. Since your body is undergoing constant changes to accommodate the baby, personal modifications have to be made that can most easily be addressed one-on-one.

Also, read more about the benefits of Pilates for after pregnancy.

I have a bad back. Is Pilates OK for me to do?

 Pilates is non-impact, and a gentle form of corrective exercise, safe and effective for most everyone. With your doctor’s permission, or physical therapist’s recommendation, our qualified and experienced instructors will create a personalized program that supports and compliments your rehabilitative regime.

Our instructors will provide exercise modifications to accommodate your needs, watch how your strength gains develop, and will continually challenge you within your range of physical ability.

It is advised that you consult your physician before starting any fitness routine.

Pin It on Pinterest