Find out what it's all about.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates during the 1920’s. It evolved originally from a rehabilitation system for prisoners of war and then later transitioned into attracting those interested in physical fitness. Joseph Pilates vision and method has been perpetuated through the dedication of a small group of students who have continued to teach the method and today, we can see how it has exploded into a world-wide phenomenon!
Pilates is a mind/body system that builds strength and flexibility, develops the core, aligns the skeletal structure of the body, as well as balancing the musculature structure (building strength without excessive bulk). People who practice Pilates regularly find it dramatically transforms the body by the way they look and feel and by the results they experience in all their daily activities.
Pilates is a mind/body system that builds strength and flexibility, develops the core, aligns the skeletal structure of the body, as well as balancing the musculature structure (building strength without excessive bulk). People who practice Pilates regularly find it dramatically transforms the body by the way they look and feel and by the results they experience in all their daily activities.
What are the benefits of Pilates? Can anyone do Pilates?
Whatever walk of life, whatever fitness level you may have, you can benefit from Pilates. So, if you are training for a marathon, enjoy swimming or playing golf or whether it’s just being able to bend over and pick up the newspaper, Pilates will help you gain that ease of movement and increased function in everything you do.
Pilates has a wide range of appeal to all sorts of people in all different stages of life ~ from college students, homemakers, dancers, athletes and seniors. Athletes and dancers love it because Pilates helps to prevent injuries and improve strength. Mom’s-to-be or mom’s in their post-natal stage ~ all enjoy and benefit from Pilates as it helps them maintain a healthy pregnancy and helps them not only get back into shape after giving birth, but helps them keep strong, maintain good posture and just plainly feel good in their new role as a mom.
The full body method of Pilates safely works the body through an array of movements (flexion, extension, rotation for example) that challenges you from the deepest muscles all the way to the surface muscles from head to toe. You learn to work from stabilizing a certain part of the body to allow safe and efficient movement of another part or parts of the body while maintaining proper alignment. You will be guided to correctly recruit the muscles of the body, all the while focusing on keeping the core active and moving with the breath.
Pilates has a wide range of appeal to all sorts of people in all different stages of life ~ from college students, homemakers, dancers, athletes and seniors. Athletes and dancers love it because Pilates helps to prevent injuries and improve strength. Mom’s-to-be or mom’s in their post-natal stage ~ all enjoy and benefit from Pilates as it helps them maintain a healthy pregnancy and helps them not only get back into shape after giving birth, but helps them keep strong, maintain good posture and just plainly feel good in their new role as a mom.
The full body method of Pilates safely works the body through an array of movements (flexion, extension, rotation for example) that challenges you from the deepest muscles all the way to the surface muscles from head to toe. You learn to work from stabilizing a certain part of the body to allow safe and efficient movement of another part or parts of the body while maintaining proper alignment. You will be guided to correctly recruit the muscles of the body, all the while focusing on keeping the core active and moving with the breath.
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In general you can expect to achieve:
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Do you offer Prenatal Pilates Sessions?
Yes! This is an incredibly special time in your life and Evie can provide you with a unique, well-rounded and meaningful Prenatal Pilates program. Evie will guide and assist you through balanced movement to maintain strength, support and flexibility, emphasizing the importance of a meaningful and empowering Pilates practice. You will find how this Prenatal Pilates program of movement and breath will enhance your pregnancy experience by learning about the changes that occur in the body and how movement and breath can help bring more ease and comfort into the body. Evie will show you how you can use the breath, movement and certain positions to help you during the day and throughout your activities during your pregnancy. This will go on to promote that mind/body connection by giving you more understanding of your body and the changes it is going through to accommodate this beautiful life that is developing inside of you! You will learn specific tools that will not only help you through the common discomforts that may arise during pregnancy, but also how to apply and use them during labor, thereby enhancing your labor and birthing experience. You will gain more confidence, be more knowledgeable and feel empowered!
...and of course, Evie will continue to guide you through a safe and balanced Postnatal Pilates program after the birth of your baby. You will continue to gain back your energy and strength, so you can maintain your stamina and feel balanced throughout your body.
How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise?
Pilates is a comprehensive full mind/full body method that provides a safe and effective workout for all ages and fitness levels, challenging and progressing the client in their regular practice. While other methods only focus on working some parts of the body more than others and say for example with weight training, which can put undo stress on the joints by over exerting, pushing too far and risking injury, Pilates helps you to emphasize the concentric and eccentric contraction of a muscle to build strength without injury. In fact, learning this through Pilates can help you do a safe weight training program which will be complimented by your regular Pilates practice.
Pilates works to develop the core muscles in the body (the area and muscles of the mid & lower back, the abdominals and pelvis), develop a balance in strength and flexibility working muscles from deep within the body all the way to the surface muscles, promoting safe and functional joint movement in all ranges of motion, resulting in greater function in your daily activities.
Pilates works to develop the core muscles in the body (the area and muscles of the mid & lower back, the abdominals and pelvis), develop a balance in strength and flexibility working muscles from deep within the body all the way to the surface muscles, promoting safe and functional joint movement in all ranges of motion, resulting in greater function in your daily activities.
What's the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga are considered mind/body methods of movement. They each emphasize deep breathing in coordination with movements to encourage the mind/body awareness and connection. In Pilates there is a systematic flow through a whole series of movements in a systematic and anatomically based approach, while focusing on activating the core muscles to execute the movements from. When using the equipment for Pilates, the resistance of the springs are incorporated creating more difficulty or ease in an exercise, depending on the emphasis (still we mostly work against or resist against the springs to create a greater challenge in the movement). In Yoga there is more of an emphasis in isometrics, where you would be holding a position before moving on to another pose or movement.
Will I be really sore after a Pilates class or session?
The degree of soreness can be very relative. As with any other fitness routine, when you begin to use and challenge your muscles it is natural to feel their awakening and some soreness the next day or two, but it should never be debilitating. It's recommended to keep moving and do some extra stretching the next day. Basically, if you've not been as active, you may feel it more than if you're already in a regular fitness routine. Feeling the muscles 'awakening' (as I like to call it) is a natural result of the process. When you workout regularly, you will feel the muscles you have worked, but it should actually feel good and make you feel strong and supported.
Consistency is key in order to achieve success! So, be sure to not give up or just try a class or two. In order to achieve the wonderful benefits Pilates can offer, it is vital to come to your classes and sessions regularly. Make it a reward from a hectic day. You will feel so much better after your class or session!
Consistency is key in order to achieve success! So, be sure to not give up or just try a class or two. In order to achieve the wonderful benefits Pilates can offer, it is vital to come to your classes and sessions regularly. Make it a reward from a hectic day. You will feel so much better after your class or session!
How often should I do Pilates?
You could actually do Pilates everyday, although for many of us fitting in our exercise routine can be a challenge with our busy lives. Yet, you will find that if you make the effort to fit it in at least 3-4 times a week, you will be amazed of the way you look, feel and function throughout your daily endeavors and activities. Joseph Pilates recommended 4 times a week, even if you can only squeeze 10 -15 minutes of Pilates on a particular day, it will bring you benefit. You can mix it into your other workouts throughout the week (like weight training, for example). So, maybe start with 2-3 times a week and then try to commit to 3-4 times a week and squeeze in some basic, well-rounded moves (which Evie can guide you with) that you can do on the other days.
Remember whatever you can do, even 1-2 times a week is the start towards a new beginning and soon you will find that you will crave more and build your practice as you experience the benefits and feel stronger and motivated.
Remember whatever you can do, even 1-2 times a week is the start towards a new beginning and soon you will find that you will crave more and build your practice as you experience the benefits and feel stronger and motivated.
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates will be a great addition to an overall weight-loss program. Pilates being a predominantly musculo-skeletal conditioning program and even though you will burn calories during a Pilates session, it is important to include some type of cardiovascular exercise such as walking, running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics, etc. along with a healthy balanced diet to achieve results in normalizing ones weight. Pilates will give the added benefits of improved posture, strength and flexibility and improved mind/body awareness. So, YES! Pilates is a wonderful addition to your weight-loss program!
What if I have an injury? Will Pilates benefit my back problems, such as herniated discs?
As with any exercise program it is always recommended that you consult with your physician. Your Pilates program will be tailored to fit your needs and goals in a gentle and controlled manner and the exercises can be modified to accommodate your limitations as you are challenged, but within your ability to move. With regular practice and monitoring of your progress you will see the improvements and continued benefits. Regular practice is key ~ and remember, MOVEMENT promotes recovery and health.
What are the different benefits from doing the mat classes and the work on the equipment? Is one better than the other?
Pilates on the mat uses the body's own resistance (body weight) as the teacher guides you through correct alignment. creating fluid yet controlled and precise movements of the body. The mat work is challenging, but as with any Pilates work out, it is tailored to the clients abilities.
Pilates on the equipment uses the addition of springs for resistance which can be set from light to heavy depending on the exercise and the client. The springs make the exercises challenging in a different way than the work on the mat. I find that they actually compliment the other and they are both absolutely fantastic to include in your fitness routine. Doing both is the traditional way to practice Pilates.
Pilates on the equipment uses the addition of springs for resistance which can be set from light to heavy depending on the exercise and the client. The springs make the exercises challenging in a different way than the work on the mat. I find that they actually compliment the other and they are both absolutely fantastic to include in your fitness routine. Doing both is the traditional way to practice Pilates.
What do I wear to a Pilates class or session?
You just simply wear what you would typically do to work out (clothes that allow you to move and stretch in comfort). In Pilates we do not wear shoes.
What should I bring to my class or session?
Bring a mat (although, there are mats available at the studio). You may also bring water if you choose.
The Pasadena Pro Fitness Network studio in Pasadena has 3 reformers, 2 Cadillacs, 2 Wunda Chairs, a Ladder Barrel and the Avalon Chair system. Here I can offer the trio sessions on the equipment.
Look forward to seeing you soon!
The Pasadena Pro Fitness Network studio in Pasadena has 3 reformers, 2 Cadillacs, 2 Wunda Chairs, a Ladder Barrel and the Avalon Chair system. Here I can offer the trio sessions on the equipment.
Look forward to seeing you soon!
© Precision Pilates By Evie 2015
