Quick links:
Pilates is an exercise system of over 500 precisely designed exercises that strengthen and condition the entire body. By fully engaging both mind and body, Pilates also increases control and flexibility, develops long lean muscles, improves circulation and promotes an overall feeling of well-being.
Pilates focuses on working from the "powerhouse". The "powerhouse" refers to the body's center, which includes the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, lower back and buttocks, the area from which all movement originates.
By strengthening the "powerhouse," the limbs move with greater ease, the body's stress is reduced and posture improves. In many cases, chronic pain, such as back and arthritic pain, can be substantially reduced.
Jay Vandewater, a St. Louis dentist, came to Pilates at Bodies in Balance after suffering from back problems and pain. After a regimen of Pilates sessions and mat classes, he gained strength, mobility and increased his flexibility. Two years later, he is still devoted to Pilates and remains pain-free.
As a nurse during World War I, Joseph Pilates developed a unique and very successful system of rehabilitating injured soldiers. This system laid the foundation for what is simply known today as Pilates, a style of body conditioning using controlled movements and specialized exercise apparatus.
In 1926, Pilates came to America and opened his own exercise studio in New York City, which continues there today.
While the Pilates method started in the dance world, it is now widely known as a means of total body conditioning for all ages and fitness levels.
Anyone who desires its many benefits is a candidate for Pilates. My clientele ranges from professional dancers and athletes to those simply wanting to work toward improved physical fitness. Individuals living with chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis can benefit greatly when working under a qualified instructor in Pilates. Many women choose Pilates as their workout during and after pregnancy. When done properly, Pilates is an exercise system that produces significant results in many individuals.
Pilates is a sound and intelligent exercise system that engages both mind and body. When it is learned and practiced under the close supervision of a qualified teacher, injuries are very rare. But Pilates is extremely challenging and will require the use of your entire being to progress in the method. Pilates sessions can range from a very gentle workout to one that is very challenging and rigorous depending on the individual and their needs.
Pilates changes the way you feel, the way you sit, stand and carry yourself. It truly changes the body!
Clients leave my studio every day feeling energized, exhilirated and alive! Lynda Higbee, a Bodies in Balance client, often comments, "I am never ready for my lesson to come to an end. I feel great and really enjoy the work."
Some people believe that Joseph Pilates would have continued to change and add to his method. Though for over 40 years, Pilates worked toward developing a system that is accurate, balanced, and safe. Many changes that are made are not safe or even effective. One of the amazing aspects of Pilates is that is is a total and complete system. It benefits the whole person — the muscles, the organ systems, the mind and the emotions. It works incredibly well just as it is.
Pilates changes the body by toning, defining and re-shaping the whole body. Most people discover that they lose inches and their clothes fit differently as their body takes on a new, leaner shape. People who are wise in healthy nutrition and are practicing Pilates can lose weight.
Because Pilates is designed as a whole system, it is not necessary to add other types of exercise when regularly practicing and progressing in Pilates with an instructor. At the beginning, I usually advise people to keep up some type of cardiovascular exercise until they progress a little further in Pilates. I also encourage people to continue in exercise, activities, or sports that they enjoy and that are benefitting them. Pilates will make you stronger in your other activities. If an exercise is not helping you or begins to take a toll on your body, then it is time to stop and focus more on Pilates, which will safely benefit the body.
The Pilates system has more than 500 exercises that may be executed in different ways. Group sessions are offered for Pilates mat work, utilizing nothing more than hand weights and possibly a Pilates Magic circle. It is crucial to learn the mat work from a certified instructor rather than simply a video.
Private and semi-private sessions are offered utilizing specialized Pilates apparatus. Although the sessions on the apparatus are more expensive, they are custom tailored to your individual needs. Be wary of participating in a session with more than two or three individuals using the equipment. Thorough instruction is vital to this method. Bodies in Balance is fully equipped with Gratz Equipment, the preferred equipment in the industry.
It is extremely important! Because Pilates is gaining notoriety for its effectiveness, many clubs, studios and fitness centers across the country are offering the Pilates method without having Pilates-certified instructors.
Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding, the term Pilates is applied to many exercise forms that more closely resemble yoga and other techniques than Pilates. When valuable methods and techniques are watered down, they lose their effectiveness.
When the knowledge of the body and the Pilates exercises is limited, participants are rushed through the learning process. As a result, they do not gain the full benefits and often suffer injuries. Do not be afraid to ask your instructor what type of certification they have received and for how long and with whom they studied.