What is Pilates?

Pilates, pronounced "pull-lat-eeze" is a mind-body exercise system that strengthens weak muscles and challenges the strong.  Pilates was named and developed by the late Joseph H. Pilates.  J.H. Pilates developed his program during World War I (1920's) to help prisoners of war regain strength and mobility.  Exercises can be performed on a mat or specialized equipment.  When J. Pilates immigrated to New York, the professional dance community discovered his conditioning techniques could help prevent injury, improve strength while maintaining long lean muscle tone.  Modern Pilates is a progression of the original method which incorporates modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles with emphasis on neutral alignment, core stability and peripheral mobility.

 

What does Pilates do for the body?

When taught effectively with instructor feedback, Pilates can: enhance core strength and stability, improve posture and alignment, prevent injuries or resolve previous injuries, relieve tension, increase circulation, balance strength and flexibility, heighten concentration, enhance body awareness, flatten tones and strengthen deep abdominals (transversus abdominis), enhance athletic performance, and boost self esteem.

 

Who should do Pilates?  How often?

Although no form of exercise is right for everyone, Pilates is appropriate to many people.  Pilates is of benefit to those wanting to achieve optimal fitness, better quality of life free from aches and pains, recovery from injury, a complement to a current exercise program.  Ideally exercise should be performed at least 3X per week for results, 2X the minimum.  If you are taking a class once per week or twice, it is expected and reinforced that you practice some of the exercises between classes.  Consistency is critical to seeing results.

 

What if I have a back problem or history of injury?

Good 2 the Core Pilates is instructed by a Certified Pilates Instructor and Rehabilitation professional (Registered Physical Therapist).  Good 2 the Core Pilates was designed for this exact population of individuals, persons wanting a pro-active resolution to pain and injury and a return to independence.  A background in injury rehabilitation, exercise prescription, core stability, and orthopedics allow the instructor to give the recovering patient a safe effective program of Pilates with modifications for their injury.  As with any exercise method, you should consult with your Physician before beginning an exercise regime.  The injured person should seek an assessment prior to participating in a Pilates class to determine appropriateness and individual modifications required.

 

If Pilates has been around since the 1920's, why am I only hearing about it lately?

Pilates is definitely gaining popularity in fitness clubs, newspapers, magazines and TV, and is currently the fastest growing exercise method in North America.  People are taking more interest in fitness methods which prevent injury and take care of their body in addition to relieve stress.  Pilates can complement many types of exercises and is safe and effective for a broad age range (including the aging populations).  Professional dancers have been benefiting from Pilates for over 75 years.  What was once a secret of dancers, professional athletes, and celebrities has gained more media attention since becoming Hollywood's hottest workout!  Many celebrities choose Pilates because of its affect on physical appearance as well as its improvement to stamina, stress relief and focus.

 

Is Pilates a good program for weight loss?

The Pilates method of exercise is NOT aerobic (cardiovascular), and cardiovascular exercise together with sensible dietary habits are necessary for burning fat.  Pilates will strengthen, build and tone muscle mass.  Muscles are metabolically active tissue.  An increase in muscle tissue will have a corresponding increase in metabolic rate.  It is a proven fact that a strong healthy muscle metabolizes fat much more effectively than a weak unfit muscle.  A person whom practices Pilates with consistency will strengthen muscles and consequently become more effective at metabolizing calories which had been stored as fat.  If your interests are in weight loss, you should complement a Pilates program with some cardiovascular exercise in addition to a sensible diet.

 

Do athletes really do Pilates?  Isn't it more for women than men?

Pilates does involve slow, careful movements but that doesn't mean it's easy! Pro athletes like Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant have used Pilates and experienced its many benefits.  Many golfers have adapted Pilates into their training as it helps their concentration, focus, and coordination.  Pilates helps develop core strength and stability making it an excellent program for injury prevention and to restore muscle balance after injury, a benefit for men and women.

 

Is it safe to do Pilates when you are pregnant?

Research supports that a pregnant woman should not start a new exercise routine during her first trimester.  Moderate exercise, during a normal healthy pregnancy, can be very beneficial; assisting circulation and reducing low back pain; but moderate exercise may not be suitable for everyone.

Always consult with your Doctor about your exercise participation.

 

Benefits of Pilates for Pregnancy?

The benefits are many: maintain strong core muscles, strengthen pelvic floor muscles, increase energy, re-gain pre-pregnancy body faster in post partum, improve changing center of balance, decrease incidence of low back pain, improve breathing and lung capacity, improve circulation, decrease changes of developing oedema, promote emotional centeredness and sense of calm.  Even with good posture, pregnancy can challenge your ability to maintain it.  Working on posture (while pregnant) can alleviate muscle tension and reduce strain on your muscle's joints and ligaments.

 

What is Fusion?

Fusion is an integrated program incorporating Pilates and Yoga into a comprehensive mind/body routine of controlled movements, exercises, and postures, which promote balance, strength, flexibility and mobility.  This program allows a person to explore the 2 disciplines of mind body exercises and enjoy the best of both worlds.

 

What training does the instructor have to teach Fusion?

In addition to STOTT Pilates Certification, the instructor is certified through Can-Fit-Pro as a Mind Body Fitness Specialist and has completed the Fusion Fitness Training (TM) program.

 

What is the Reformer?

The reformer is a piece of Pilates resistance equipment which features a gliding carriage, spring system and pullies and its unique design allows up to 500 exercises.  Exercises on the Pilates reformer machine establish and develop core stability, postural alignment, while working on peripheral mobility and strength.  Exceptional results are achieved quickly as Pilates equipment allows strengthening and lengthening of muscles rather than building bulk, making for an effective stretching and toning workout that doesn't impact joints.  Plyometric exercises may also be performed on the Pilates reformer and these are beneficial for athletes as well as rehabilitation clients.

 

What's Better, Mat or equipment?

When it comes to Pilates, it is not a matter of 1 being better than another.  Mat exercise can result in great results with beginners, intermediates and advanced and can effectively develop core strength and posture awareness.  Equipment such as elastic bands, circles, balls, foam rolls, Bosu, and reformer incorporate light resistance which allows the muscles to work concentrically and eccentrically to safely and effectively sculpt and tone while strengthening and restoring range of movement.

 

Can I get an effective workout with Pilates videos, DVD's and books?

Absolutely!  These make a good companion to learning and practicing this method of exercise.  Personal instruction is the best way to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and with proper technique.

 

How do I get started on a Pilates exercise program?

An introductory or beginner mat session (private or small class) is a good start point for those new to the Pilates method of exercise.  It is important to learn some basics and have proper feedback when first learning as all of the exercises build upon some fundamental concepts.  Small group sessions are more economical than private or semi-private sessions and you will still receive plenty of individual attention, guidance and monitoring.  Once you have had some practice with Pilates exercises, small equipment, props, and the reformer will add variety, interest and challenge.

 

If you want to experience traditional Pilates resistance equipment, try the reformer.  It is best to start with a private introductory session to get the most out of your session.