What is Pilates?

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit!” ~ Joseph H. Pilates

Whether your goal is getting in shape, becoming healthy, or rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, we have an instructor or class that’s right for you. We offer a wide selection of classes designed to meet the needs of every level of student, from the novice to the professional.

The regular practice of Pilates offers many benefits, including reduced stress, improved circulation, greater health and fitness, reduced pain, and gives you an overall sense of well-being. Toned muscles give your body that long, lean look and help you look fit.

The Pilates method of exercise, developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, is a mind-body system of exercise. When practiced regularly it improves health and vitality through better posture and body mechanics, correct breathing, and spinal flexibility. And unlike other forms of exercise, Pilates is safe for almost anyone.

The benefits of Pilates are many — reduced stress, more efficient digestion, increased oxygen intake, better circulation, improved skin, enhanced immune system, toned and sculpted body, and greater strength and coordination. Pilates will help you get fit, look great, and enhance grace and balance.

The system of exercise called Pilates began in the 1920’s when Pilates developed a series of 34 mat work exercises. A frail and sickly child, Pilates developed his method of exercise in an effort to rid himself and his students of physical limitations. seeking to restore balance to body and mind. Later, he developed exercises that used various pieces of equipment. He originally called his method, “Contrology;” but today, we simply call it “Pilates.”

Pilates believed that mental and physical health were interrelated and that proper diet and sufficient sleep were paramount to achieving physical fitness. That’s why Pilates focuses on training both mind and body to work together as efficiently as possible, allowing you to derive maximum benefits in the a minimum amount of time.

It’s hard to adequately define Pilates or convey the many ways in which it benefits the mind and body. Perhaps the best way to understand it is to experience it for yourself.

Pilates for Back Pain

Has your doctor or Physical Therapist recommended Pilates for you? It is not uncommon. Pilates improves strength, flexibility and suppleness of the muscles, including the hip and shoulder girdle. Flowing yet supported movement through these joints helps prevent unnecessary torque on the vertebral column.

Spine Whether coming out of rehab or just suffering from back pain, Pilates can help you strengthen your back. Pilates teaches awareness of movement habits and trains or retrains the body to move in its anatomically correct movement pattern(s). Daily work and lack of exercise can cause undue stress on the vertebral joints. Pilates brings awareness to this and helps promote proper focus to use the body efficiently and functionally.

Before starting any new exercise system, it is advisable to check with a physician or other healthcare provider. If you are starting Pilates after physical therapy, please ask your therapist to outline the exercise principles identified as particularly important for your rehabilitation.

Pilates for Pregnancy

It is most important to stay active and fit through pregnancy. While we don’t recommend starting a new exercise program when pregnant, becoming pregnant is no reason to discontinue your Pilates. Pre-Natal Pilates can help with a more comfortable pregnancy and an easier natural childbirth. Our instructors have training to help pregnant women continue with a well balanced Pilates program throughout their pregnancies. Benefits include a quicker return to fitness post-partum and maintaining strength and flexibility during your pregnancy. Each Private session is tailored to you and includes working on the reformer, Wunda chair as well as other apparatus.

First Trimester
FOCUS: CORE STRENGTH, STAMINA AND MUSCLE MEMORY
These moves will strengthen your entire core (abs, back, waist and pelvis) so it can support you like an internal corset, giving your body strength and resilience as your belly grows.

Second Trimester
FOCUS: POSTURE, CORE STABILITY AND BALANCE
These moves will keep your spine in a proper neutral upright position, protecting your back and neck as your belly and breasts grow. They also assist with balance and stability.

Third Trimester
FOCUS: FLEXIBILITY, JOINT MOBILITY AND LABOR PREP
These moves will strengthen the pelvic-floor muscles as you keep your pelvis, spine and hips mobile, relieving discomfort and preparing you for labor.