PILATES

To help explain what Pilates is and the benefits the following Q&A has been derived from the Pilates Association of Canada website.

What is Pilates?

Commonly referred to as 'Pilates Method' this system of mindful and physical training consists of approximately 500 exercises. Forty of these exercises are performed without equipment and known as Pilates Mat work.  The exercises are performed at a slow controlled speed with minimum repetitions (10 or less) and maximum concentration.

What are the benefits of practicing Pilates?

The benefits of Pilates are many.   To quote Joseph Pilates himself, the method "develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit."  Many people find their back pain disappears while others practice to improve their sports performance.  Most find they greatly reduce their stress and move with more economy and grace. 

How does uniform development help someone?

The overall goal of Pilates is to develop the body uniformly. Simply put, uniform development creates balance between large and small, superficial and deeper muscles.  This creates a balance between strength and flexibility.  Part of that uniformity ensures developing what Joseph Pilates called the 'powerhouse', or 'the core' as it is commonly referred to today.  This 'core' comprises the abdominals, the low back muscles, the buttocks, the inner thighs, the muscles of the pelvic floor and the diaphragm. The Pilates system begins by building strength from this core foundation and enables a stronger, more stable spinal column. This in turn results in improved posture, carriage and balance. Pilates balances the body's musculature, strengthening what is weak and stretching what is tight.

What distinguishes the Pilates Method from other forms of fitness?

 Pilates Method has six fundamental principles: control, centre, concentration, precision, flowing movement and breath.  By utilizing these six principles together in every exercise, Pilates Method creates harmony in body, mind and spirit. Pilates Method ensures that muscles are toned without creating bulk, flexibility, balance and agility are greatly improved and the mind is calmed. It is possibly one of t he most holistic forms of exercise that exists today.

Who can do Pilates?  Is Pilates just for women?

One of the most amazing things about Pilates is its versatility. It was designed to be a universal fitness regime to benefit everyone.  Whether you are injured, or healthy, old or young, male or female, regardless your present level of fitness, Pilates Method will work its magic and give you greater health and fitness.

Does Pilates help you lose weight?

Initially, practicing Pilates won't burn the necessary amount of calories to promote weight loss. However, what Pilates will do is reshape and lengthen muscles to create a more streamlined, leaner appearance.  People find that their clothes fit differently as Pilates tones such "trouble areas" as their mid section and hips.  And because of the improvement in their posture people stand taller and therefore appear thinner.  If you are looking to lose weight, a sound cardiovascular training program in addition to Pilates is a good bet.

What are the benefits of practicing Pilates?

The benefits of Pilates are many.   To quote Joseph Pilates himself, Pilates "develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit."  Many people find their back pain disappears while others improve their sports performance.  People also find that they greatly reduce their stress and move with more economy and grace. 

I already do other sports and weight train.  Should I still do Pilates?

Pilates is a great adjunct to many sports such as tennis, golf, and running.  Many professional athletes, from football players to skaters, use Pilates as a valuable cross training regimen to improve their skills and to prevent injury.  Pilates has great benefit to weight trainers also.  Conventional weight training tends to train larger muscles but can miss smaller stabilizing muscles.  Over time this imbalance can lead to injury and tightness.  Pilates makes sure that the entire body gets worked-out in a balanced fashion.

Your First Class

All of our teachers are registered and certified Pilates experts and are there to properly train you. Please let them know if it is your first class. Wear comfortable workout gear and bare feet.