COMMON QUESTIONS
‘In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you’ll see the difference, and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body.’ – Joseph Pilates
1) What are the benefits of Pilates?
With consistent committed Pilates workouts you can expect to:
- Improve balance, strength and flexibility
- Tone and build long, lean muscles without adding bulk
- Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the powerhouse
- Enhance body awareness
- Create and condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
- Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching
- Restore postural alignment
- Create a stronger, more flexible spine
- Promote recovery from strain or injury
- Increase joint range of motion
- Improve circulation
- Heighten neuromuscular coordination
- Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
- Correct overtraining of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
- Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
- Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
- Improve the way your body looks and feels
2) Do I need to be fit and flexible to start Pilates?
Definitely not! Pilates offers something for everyone at every level. You have to start somewhere. If you are horribly out of shape starting a Pilates regimen is an excellent turning point. Our environment is always incredibly supportive. We are here to help, never judge.
3) What exactly is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works all muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the “powerhouse” (the abdominals, back, hips, thighs and bottom). The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity which invigorates rather than exhausts. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient system in sport and daily activity. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialized equipment with names like Reformer, Cadillac,Chair,Spine, Corrector, and Barrels.
4) Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Most Pilates practitioners report weight loss and feel thinner due to a more sculpted physique. Pilates, when taught correctly, is a great workout and burns plenty of calories. It also increases lean muscle mass which increases your metabolic rate. However getting to the right pace can take a bit of time depending on how fast you learn. Until then it is recommended that Pilates be combined with your regular cardio work
5) Will Pilates help me with my back pain?
Pilates is an excellent tool for helping relieve back pain due to its focus on abdominal strength, flexibility, and posture. These principles can be difficult to learn in a group setting particularly if a lot of modifications are needed. We recommend that clients with a history of back pain start with private sessions. This allows more individual attention and emphasis on form. Once this base has been established, it may be safe to reenter a group class setting, depending on the particular situation
6) How often should I practice Pilates?
A minimum of once or twice per week with an instructor, plus at 15 minute daily routine will give you excellent results, both mentally and physically. Instructors will give you the motivation and corrections needed to improve your practice. Establishing your own daily practice is incredibly empowering. You should start seeing results in 5 to 10 Pilates sessions.
7) What should I wear when practicing Pilates?
Comfortable formfitting clothes with good coverage are best. No shoes required!
8) What is a reformer?
A reformer is Joseph Pilates most renowned piece of Pilates equipment. It is a sophisticated system of springs, straps, and pulleys. It’s an elegant machine that provides over a hundred finely tuned exercises that allows one to work very precisely with alignment, core strength, and all of the Pilates principles.With one machine you can target every single area of your body. It’s excellent for overall fitness if you have an injury as well because it provides such control. It’s a very safe and effective way to workout. Don’t be intimidated....it’s incredibly fun too!