Q: What is Pilates?
A: The Pilates Method is a system of low-impact exercises that are systematically designed to develop core strength, create long flexible muscles, and improve posture as well as balance.
The Pilates method is supportive yet challenging. The multiple pieces of apparatus that Joe Pilates created blend provide us with a system that is both restorative and robust.
Q: I don’t understand how Pilates can serve vastly different populations. How can my goals as an athlete have any cross-over to my grandmother?
A: Methods of movement have a hierarchy that builds upon themselves.
For example, when learning to read we start with the basics. In the movement world we call that fundamentals.
A new reader wouldn’t start reading Shakespeare or Hemingway. The skill sets needed to be able to make sense of great works of literature have yet to be developed. However, there is a trajectory of learning that ensures they will reach that level of comprehension. If along the way, satisfactory progress is not being made we can go back through the lessons and discover what skill sets are missing.
That’s the beauty of a methodology.
Everyone needs the same foundation. It’s in the specialization that our programs differ. There are over 500 exercises on multiple pieces of apparatus which allow us the structure and freedom to design a workout to meet your particular needs.
Q: Is Pilates only for women?
A: Pilates was actually designed by a man for men. The method became synonymous with women (particularly dancers) because injury rehab and prevention are baked into the fibers of the work. Men are making their comeback, with many male professional athletes swearing by the method to keep them fit and injury free.
Q: Who is Joe Pilates? How do I find out more about him?
A: You can read more about the man behind the method here.
A: Clothes that you feel comfortable moving in but show your alignment. I suggest yoga pants and a form fitting top. If you choose to wear shorts, please wear tight bike shorts underneath as your legs will be in the air at times. The workout is done barefoot or in socks; whichever you prefer.
Q: What do I wear to a Pilates Lesson?
Q: What are the benefits of Pilates?
A:
Improved Posture
Core Stability and Strength
Increased flexibility and mobility
Better balance and coordination
Increased body awareness
Injury rehabilitation and prevention
Stress reduction
Better alignment
A: Two to three times a week will yield the benefits listed above. If homework appeals to you, a lesson once a week plus a commitment to practicing at-home two to three days per week will also yield results.
Q: How many times per week do I need to do Pilates to see results?
A: Yes, but the answer is deeper than that.
There's a contradiction between the expectation of what Pilates can offer in regard to cardiovascular training and weekly cardiovascular needs.
Weekly cardiovascular needs are as follows:
1x per week - High intensity, short burst cardio. (10 minutes max)
1-3x per week - Lift heavy things. These are full body movements.
2-5x per week - Low level aerobic activity. (Walking, hiking, cycling)
Pilates can meet all or some of these needs depending upon how many times you train.
During a jump board workout — done on the Reformer — the high intensity cardio requirement is met.
Pushing springs on the various pieces of apparatus meet our strength training needs.
Once you're familiarized with your personal routine, there is a flow and therefore less breaks in the workout.
The challenge here is that if you’re taking two lessons a week, one lesson may provide low level aerobic activity with a high intensity burst at the end; While the other may provide low level aerobic activity with some strength training.
As this example shows, you still haven’t met your weekly requirements.
I would recommend supplementing your cardiovascular needs if you only plan to the be in the studio one to three days per week.
Q: Does Pilates provide a cardiovascular benefit?
A: Every exercise is a combination of the six principles. Control, Coordination, Precision, Flow, Balance, Dynamics.
When these six principles work in tandem, the mind has complete control over the body, coordinating proper movement that is executed with precision. The uniformly developed muscular and skeletal system provides balance, allowing the body to flow from one dynamic movement to another.
Q: What are the six principles of Pilates and why do they matter?
Q: Do you have a fully equipped studio?
A: Yes. The studio is fully equipped with Gratz Pilates equipment. Specifically, we have the Reformer, Cadillac (also known as the Trap Table), all of the Barrels (small, spine corrector and ladder), both the Wunda and Electric Chair, the Pedi-Pole and the Mat. Additionally, the studio is equipped with some of the smaller accessories such as the Foot Corrector, Pushup Device, Toe Exerciser as well as foam rollers, therabands, weighted balls and weights.