FAQ
WHAT IS PILATES?
You’ve probably heard of “core training,” exercises that emphasize
strengthening the muscle groups from the
middle of your ribcage down to the middle of your thighs. You could think of
Pilates as the original core-training program because, in the 1940s, Joseph H.
Pilates,
described and taught over 600 exercises that focused on increasing the
strength and flexibility of that central core. When this core is strong and
flexible, you are less prone
to injury and are able to enjoy a wider range of sports.
Pilates exercises are not complicated. They just require concentration on proper alignment and breathing. Your instructor will teach you how to control your movements precisely, so that you obtain the maximum benefit from each series of exercises, as you progress systematically from muscle group to opposing muscle group, rapidly developing muscle strength in muscles you did not even know you had.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT WITH PILATES?
A flatter stomach
Slimmer, well-defined hips and legs
A better-shaped torso
More defined shoulder, chest, and arm muscles
Better bearing: You will sit and stand straighter
Greater flexibility, especially in the low back, hips, and shoulders
Better balance and coordination
Shorter recovery time following strenuous activity
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PILATES?
You can. Whatever shape you are in, Pilates will make you feel and look better. In the words of Joseph Pilates, “You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a whole new body in thirty sessions.”
For those of you who have, for one reason or another, ended up in less-than-ideal physical condition, the progressive nature of the work will gradually build up your strength and flexibility. We take special care with new clients to teach them how to transform weak areas into stronger ones, and lack of mobility into fluid motion.
Athletes benefit from the improved coordination, balance and improved flexibility Pilates instills in them. We emphasize development not only of the front abdominal muscles, but the lateral trunk and low back muscles as well. A stronger, more flexible core makes swinging a golf club, serving a tennis ball, guiding your jumper over a fence, or passing a pack of cyclists ascending a long hill an entirely new proposition.
HOW DOES PILATES FIT INTO MY EXERCISE REGIMEN?
Get results quickly and where you want them the most. Every session is a “core-intensive” session. Not only do these exercises strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and trunk, they improve posture, balance, coordination and alignment. Flexibility is also an important area of focus. Through an ingenious series of using gravity, spring resistance, and guided imagery, you transform your body.
Pilates emphasizes skill in the execution of movement. By learning key components of each exercise, you gain control with precision. Rather than performing 20 to 40 repetitions of the same motion, Pilates uses low number of reps and many different exercises. You control your trunk and extremity muscles as you breathe properly. Your body responds with balanced development, stronger muscles where you need it most, and improved flexibility.
Pilates clients who lift weights, get much more out of each session. Your yoga practice will be entirely different once you learn to control your core. If you’re a runner or a cyclist, performing Pilates exercises as little as twice a week will help raise your performance to a whole new level.
