Benefits of Pilates
Balances the Body
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Strengthens and tones
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Improves flexibility
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Improves posture
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Enhances athletic performance
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Relieves stress
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Improves balance and coordination
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Helps prevent injury and promotes recovery
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Addresses body imbalances
About The Pilates Method
The method involves a series of exercises performed on special equipment and on a floor mat, ideally in a one-on-one teacher/client setting. The equipment utilises the resistance of springs to support the body in learning proper connection to movement and to help massage, align, stretch and strengthen muscles. The exercises are done in a particular sequence, with an emphasis on quality and precision of movement rather than on speed or repetitions.
As clients progress, the workout becomes increasingly challenging and aerobic. The deep abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks – collectively the “powerhouse” – serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move more freely. The balance between strength, flexibility and control of all muscle groups results in a leaner, stronger and more balanced body.
The strength of the system is its focus on individual needs. Pilates was designed to be taught one-on-one rather than in a large group environment. The guidance of a trained eye to ensure proper form and execution is key to achieving the greatest possible results.
Everyone can benefit from Pilates. Clients come in all sizes, no matter gender, age or fitness level. Whether you want to stand taller, look leaner, play harder, recover from injury, or just improve your overall health, Pilates gives you the skills to move through your life with power, control and efficiency.
About our Pilates
What type of Pilates do we teach at our studio?
Our teachers are comprehensively trained in the entire system of work created by Joseph Pilates. The training takes years in order to fully learn the entire system, understand the concept of each exercise in the body, and develop the ability to teach those concepts/exercises to clients. The system includes all the apparatus that Joe developed and continued to use in his studio. Our training includes supervised apprentice hours, teaching coaching and review, and continuing education annually.
In line with our training which extends past just learning a set of exercises, at the studio we offer sessions, not just exercises classes. Each session moves past just learning the choreography of exercises to incorporate the mind to move the better into better balance.
How is 'Classical' Pilates different from other styles of Pilates?
Our teaching/training of Pilates, currently considered 'classical' Pilates, differs from 'contemporary' and 'clinical' Pilates in two major ways. Firstly, we are comprehensively trained in the entire work over several years, leading to understanding how to teach the concepts of Pilates to every body, not just instruct the choreography of the exercises. Secondly, what is taught in the studio is consistent with the core concepts of Pilates: engaging the mind body connection to work the entire body. We do not teach exercises that isolate or 'fix' individual parts of the body. We do not create exercises to keep our clients entertained. We engage the mind to balance the body as whole, utilising the entire system of apparatus and exercises in a fun and creative environment!
Why do we offer Basics/Open/Essential sessions?
The system of Pilates is designed to be a framework for each client to use to balance their own bodies. Every body is different and needs a different focus from each exercise. We prefer for our clients to focus on their needs within a session suitable to their ability rather than tie them to a level. Some clients may need 'advanced' exercises on their first session. Others may find 'basic' exercises address their needs. Our group sessions are designed to provide a suitable environment for each client, not a label.
What small group apparatus sessions do we offer?
The studio offers a tower session utilising the tower units ( or wall cadillac) in order to provide clients the opportunity to work both with the springs as well as strengthen their bodies with the mat work. We do not offer Reformer classes as they are only suitable for long standing clients. Reformers are moving apparatus and any client entering into a Reformer class should have a strong working knowledge not only of the exercises but also of their own body within the exercises. Teachers are unable to support large groups on moving apparatus which is leading to a sharp rise in the Pilates industry of injury and injury claims.
About Joseph Pilates
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany, in 1883. A sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Joe studied body building and gymnastics and by the age of 14 was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts. In 1914 he moved to England earning a living as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer. During World War I he was interned with other German citizens in a camp near Lancaster where he trained other inmates in fitness and exercises. It was here that the beginnings of the True Pilates Method began to take shape. After the War, Pilates emigrated to the United States. On the ship to America he met his future wife Clara. The couple founded a studio in New York City and directly taught and supervised their students well into the 1960’s. Pilates and his method, which he and Clara called "Contrology", soon established a following in the dance and the performing arts community. From their point of view, "Contrology" is the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Well known dancers George Balanchine and Ruth St. Dennis became devotees and sent their students to them for training. Pilates practiced what he preached and lived a long healthy life. He died in 1967 at the age of 84. Today, Pilates is practiced around the world by athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, as well as the general public.