To understand what Pilates is, it is important to know what Pilates is not. Pilates is not medicine, or a form of treatment such as physical therapy. It might be a great complement to your physical therapy or your medical care, but Pilates is not used to diagnose or treat an injury or even heal a specific body part. Pilates is simply a form of working out that aims to strengthen and stretch your whole body in addition to bringing a focus to the mind body connection through coordinated movement, balance and control. It is a unique form of exercise.

Pilates is:

• A workout method designed to engage the full body through dynamic, flowing movement.

• A workout that helps you build strength from the core to the extremities, which in turn helps you function better in everyday life.

• Joseph Pilate’s original method brings the mind to the body, where you find there is a deep connection between the two.

Benefits: What I get out of Pilates and what you get out of it might be different just because we have different bodies and unique needs. In my experience, I usually leave a Pilates session feeling revived and happy. There’s something magical about it. For me, it’s probably because there is a rhythm and flow in the routine and because there are a variety of challenging exercises that leave me satisfied.

Here are some key benefits:

• Strength and flexibility; strengthen your body from your core so you can gain better mobility all around, allowing limbs to move freely with less risk of injury

• Better posture; learn skills to keep your spine healthy and strong, correct that tech neck and tight shoulders from too much time spent on screens

• A focused mind; bring your mind to your body when you begin your workout and learn to become more focused outside of Pilates

• Stronger powerhouse; your powerhouse is made up of your abs, hips, low back and buttocks. Powerhouse strengthening elements are in every Pilates exercise

• Increased circulation; the design of the workout naturally increases blood flow and brings more oxygen to all parts of the body

• Improve the way you feel and move

PRINCIPLES OF PILATES

Control
Centering
Concentration/Focus
Breathing
Rhythm and Flow
Precision

Who can benefit from Pilates? Pilates is great for all adults of any age or fitness level. It’s always recommended to take some private sessions first before you jump into a group class so your Pilates teacher can create a program that works for you with your goals in mind. If you’re currently injured, or have a condition that requires more attention when working out, please consult your physician before working out. Consider private sessions over group classes to get the most beneficial workout for your needs while healing from an injury.

What is Classical Pilates? There are several different methods of Pilates and each one has their fans. Classical Pilates adheres to the traditional method and order once taught by the original Pilates guy, Joseph Pilates. I teach classical Pilates which emphasizes a system of exercises that build on the previous exercise as a student progresses and creates a continuous workout flow, challenging the body. If you find an exercise that is too challenging for you, go back to the foundational work and continue to practice until you gain strength and can progress to the next level. You will get there if you master the foundational work. Classical Pilates uses all the appartus to build strength, flexibilty and control and the movements are rhytmic and athletic, designed to work your whole body efficiently and effectively.

Is Pilates difficult? Pilates is like learning a language. You wouldn’t be able to jump into a full blown conversation when you first start learning a foreign language, but you would build upon what you learn. The same goes for Pilates, because the form is emphasized over quanity, it does take a little time to learn and understand.

My advise: stick with it and you’ll find it more of a healthy habit than “difficult”.

Harper’s Bazaar Article on classical Pilates

Working with me, you’ll get:

• Private sessions: customized, in-depth time to focus on what your body needs, giving you the opportunity to learn and master each exercise, so you can progress (good for any level and for those who have current injuries)

• Fun, small group classes: the goal in these classes is to keep moving and get in a challenging and sweaty workout (good for injury free bodies who know the system and are at the same level)

• Great advice on where to start: even if you are the strongest athlete around, I highly recommend you start at the beginning and learn the foundational work. Precision and good form will lead to a stronger workout without injury.