Pilates

The Pilates Method is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over a span of 60 years by German born athlete and physical therapy pioneer, Joseph H. Pilates.

Utilizing the specialized equipment Mr. Pilates designed, the Method works by toning muscles as well as balancing muscular force at the joint level. It stimulates circulation through facilitating muscular flexibility, joint range of motion and proper musculoskeletal alignment. In addition, it promotes new neuromuscular patterns, heightened body awareness, and more precise coordination. All these things combine to help prevent future re-injury and reduce - even in some cases alleviate - chronic pain altogether.

Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating long, sleek, toned muscles. It is a safe, sensible exercise system no matter what your age or your condition.

4 Week Workshops - Offered Seasonally

"Introduction to Reformer" $

This 4 session class will introduce the student to the Reformer; its parts and functions, teach each student his or her individual settings and begin to introduce the principles needed to build the foundation for a successful Pilates experience.

The class will cover cover basic exercises and focus on proper coordination, breathing, and use of the equipment. Clients will gain a new understanding of their body and begin a gentle exploration of correct movement - with particular emphasis on breath control, abdominal support, and pelvic/spinal alignment. Clients will also be introduced to the Pilates vocabulary and the names of each exercise to become more familiar and at ease with their practice.

"Fine Tuning Your Mat Skills" $

In this 4 Session Workshop we will go through the entire Pilates Advanced Mat Repetoire and dissect the basic 5 exercises that if deeply understood, lay the root and foundation for success in the rest of the workout. By identifying and clarifying the skill sets these basic exercises require, we shed light on the more difficult exercises, illustrating the interconnectedness of the entire repertory. We will practice these skills within the Basic 5 and then explore all the apparatus using these skills

Benefits of Pilates

Mind Body Connection
By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency

Builds strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.

Develops a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back
Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles in addition to the muscles surrounding the spine. Each Pilates exercise focuses on dynamic movement while at the same time, integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle, thus emphasizing deep control of the core.

Creates an evenly conditioned body and prevent injury
In conventional workouts, the strong, bulky and often inefficient muscles continue to get stronger while the weak muscles tend to get weaker. The result is muscular imbalance and uneconomical coordination of movement - a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. The entire musculature becomes evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.

Learn efficient patterns of motion
Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body on a neuromuscular level to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion which is invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.

Be confident and safe
No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries.

Be challenged
Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from a beginner to an advanced level. Pilates allows you to begin with the workout that bests suits your working level and increase the intensity as your body conditioning improves.