What is the history of Pilates?
What is a Reformer?
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Can anyone do it?
How many times a week can I do it?
What should I wear?
Can I continue pilates pre/post pregnancy?
Why should I take Pilates with Art of Pilates versus other studios?
How does Pilates compare to yoga?
What is the history of Pilates?
Pilates (“puh-LAH-tees”), was created by Joseph Pilates who was born in Germany in 1883. He suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever as a child. Determined to fight these ailments, Pilates studied anatomy, gymnastics, wrestling and acrobatics. He moved to England where he boxed professionally and taught self-defense techniques to Scotland Yard.
During World War I, Pilates, like many German citizens, was forced into an internment camp. It was here that he began integrating (and teaching other internees) the exercises he had taught himself into a comprehensive fitness method. He called this “Contrology” – the focus on concentration and one’s ability to control the muscles of the body. This sense of control also provided psychological benefits and was vital to maintaining physical and mental health during his internment.
Pilates moved to New York City between the two World Wars where his unique approach to fitness was quickly recognized and adopted by dancers to help with strengthening and combating their own ailments. Pilates devotees included the famous dancers and dance company founders George Balanchine and Martha Graham. Today, people from all walks of life are discovering (and loving!) the benefits of Pilates.
What is a Reformer?
The Reformer is the main piece of apparatus used in Pilates. The Reformer consists of a carriage bed that glides forward and backward on rollers. Springs are used for resistance, along with other attachments such as ropes and straps for a wide variety of exercises and positions (i.e. lying down, kneeling, seated & standing.)
What are the benefits of Pilates?
There are so many benefits of Pilates, the most common of which include improved posture, balance, strength (particularly in the abdominals/core), increased flexibility, back pain relief, longer and leaner muscles, and increased energy levels. Pilates students possess better body awareness which carries them through all realms of daily life – including sports, dance, gymnastics, or any other specialized form of physical activity.
Pilates works to engage both the major and smaller supportive muscle groups, the latter of which are often underused. In strengthening the deeper abdominals and muscles closest to the spine (the core), the body is conditioned to move more safely and efficiently. Proper breathing, coordination, and technique are important to learn for maximum benefits. Quality over quantity is emphasized so that the targeted muscle group is properly fatigued and stretched. Pilates promotes optimal alignment and spinal health; elongating the space between each vertebrae allows the back to “breathe” so to speak. Muscle imbalances and a weak core are frequently the cause of many physical injuries. Pilates helps to correct and maintain proper alignment and posture to make the body less susceptible to future injuries.
With an emphasis on mental focus and awareness, the mind is re-energized as well as the body. One of the big attractions to Pilates is the ability to move fluidly through various exercises instead of doing scores repetitive exercises that don’t fully engage the mind – all while achieving amazing results.
Can anyone do it?
Pilates’ unique approach to fitness allows any level from a beginner to a seasoned athlete to set their goals and work at their individual needs. We work with people who have never done any structured exercise before all the way to experienced athletes using Pilates as an effective cross-training method. Pilates is also one of the best forms of exercise for our elderly clients, pre/post natal mothers, and those recovering from an injury or with specific needs to address such as spinal stenosis or bulging disks. Becoming increasingly common are doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists recommending that their patients supplement their current exercise or rehabilitative program with Pilates. Although you can use Pilates to to help recover from or manage an existing injury or condition, make sure to check with your doctor first. There is a place for everyone and we would love to help you find your way through our personalized approach.
How many times a week should I do it?
It depends on what kind of results you are looking for with Pilates. Once a week will provide you with a foundation of Pilates and will leave you feeling invigorated. Ideally 2-3 times a week is what we recommend to see the optimal results of increased flexiblility, toned muscles, significant improvements in back pain, better posture, a more balanced spine, and overall improved vitality in the body.
The more you understand and are familiar with the principles of Pilates, the more you are able to benefit. Along with safety reasons, this is why we highly encourage those new to Pilates to take private lessons before jumping in to group classes.
What Should I Wear?
It is recommended that you wear attire that is comfortable and flexible yet form-fitting so our instructors can see your alignment. Comfort is key. Gripped socks are also a requirement and are available for purchase at our studio for your convenience.
Can I continue or start Pilates Pre/Post Pregnancy?
Absolutely. This is a very important time to build strength and awareness in your ever-changing body. Not only will you be going through significant changes in your body during your pregnancy, but you need to prepare for both labor and having a newborn. We work on everything from strengthening the connection to your pelvic floor, maintaining deep core strength (which helps keep everything together and prevents your rectus wall from stretching too far in delivery) to upper body strengthening to prepare you for carrying your newborn. Post-natal Pilates can be very helpful in the recovery process with its emphasis on a stronger core and pelvic floor, posture, and mind-body stress relief.
In both our pre and post natal sessions, we focus on breath control and maintaining proper balance within the stabilizing muscle groups. Your body will be growing and making room for your baby during your pregnancy and will continue adjusting after giving birth. Our priority is your alignment (especially in your spine, hips, and pelvis) to minimize your discomfort throughout this incredible time.
Why should I take Pilates with Art of Pilates versus other studios?
With all the studios around town and Pilates becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to figure out why you would want to go to one studio over another. At Art of Pilates, we provide our clients with a welcoming, tranquil learning environment that is both challenging and individualized. Our group classes are limited to 5 – 6 people which allows for more individualized attention. All of our instructors are well-versed in the practice of Pilates and care deeply about each client, with the focus being entirely on you and setting and meeting your personal goals.
We constantly update and modify our programs to meet our clients’ needs and wants. You ask and we deliver; from an increase in private session offerings to a wider variety of group classes and equipment. If you want variety, a safe and encouraging workout environment, and a constant challenge to improve your physical and mental health, then Art of Pilates is the home for you.
How does Pilates compare to yoga?
In some respects, Pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body methods of movement; both emphasize alignment, deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen, and full body strength. While both practices can be complementary to each other, the difference is that while yoga typically requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based.
What sets the two apart further is that while Yoga is beneficial and a wonderful form of exercise, it may not always be the best for the elderly, those recovering from an injury, or those with a specific condition such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis. Pilates, in comparison, allows a client to lie supine (lying down) for an entire session if need be, while still challenging the entire body with resistance springs, therabands, and ropes while also providing crucial back and joint relief.
You will find that Pilates is safe for everyone and the goal is to achieve optimal functional fitness through a greater range and variety of resistance training than most fitness models, including Yoga.