Pilates for Beginners
Pilates is a system of exercise and movement that is designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. It integrates breath and movement within proper body mechanics to increase awareness, and use all of the muscles of the body as they were designed. Many of the exercises focus on the pelvis and trunk, utilizing both stability and mobility to train the body. But all body parts are trained utilizing the stability of the trunk or core to execute properly. This stabilization creates more balance, agility and endurance in every day life. Pilates can be practiced on a Mat using your own body and sometimes small props, or on specialized Pilates Apparatus (the Pilates Reformer is the most common). Pilates classes can occur in one-on-one or group settings. Pilates is for all bodies of all ages. Part of the beauty of the method is that it can be modified to fit the needs and abilities of each individual who practices it. The best part of the Pilates Reformer is that it supports the user so that tension and resistance from springs uses the body weight and the support of the springs. We believe this cuts down on injuries or strains often associated with Mat Pilates. The Pilates Reformer offers added support but also extra challenges.
The Benefits of Pilates
There are so many benefits to Pilates. This includes improved flexibility, balanced muscles on each side of your body, improved posture, better coordination and balance, increased lung capacity, enhanced concentration, increased body awareness, stress management, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. One key benefit is an increase in muscle strength and tone primarily focused on the core muscles, as well as shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. Additionally, Pilates can be practiced anywhere and is suitable for every body of every age. The Basic Principles of Pilates include: Concentration, Control, Centering, Breathing, Precision, and Flow. These principles are applied from the very first session or class. Giving beginners to pilates all of the wonderful benefits from day one! It is worth noting that all of these things have been shown to increase mental clarity and health. Many say not only do they change their bodies with Pilates, but also de stress and increase their feelings of well being.
Brief History of Pilates
Pilates was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. He was born in Germany in 1883. Although stories vary, it is known that he had asthma and other ailments as a child. He studied a wide range of exercises and movement, including the Greek philosophy of mind, body, and spirit, and developed his system to strengthen his own body. In his early years, he worked as a circus performer and boxer. He spent time in an internment camp in England during World War I, and after that began training others in the system he called The Art of Contrology. In 1926 he immigrated to the US, where he met his wife Clara. Together, they opened a studio in New York City, where they taught until his death in 1967. Six of his former students were given Clara’s blessing to teach what then became Pilates.
Injuries? No problem
Many people come to use with injuries from other forms of exercise, looking to rehab and find their exercise home doing pilates with us. The reason for this is that Pilates can be healing for special populations but it is often discovered to provide all of the benefits of other forms of harsh training that often overuse the larger muscle groups and neglect the smaller supporting muscles thus overstraining the larger muscle groups causing pain and injury. If you are nursing a sore shoulder, with no relief, give Pilates a try and watch your pain disappear and your mobility improve! There are so many modifications for Pilates movements that support pain free rehab.
Ready to get started?
First of all don’t be intimidated. Pilates with us is fun and we welcome all levels in our small group classes. We really are a big family here and support one another on so many levels.
If you have an injury we suggest you use our great intro offer for 3 express private sessions for $75 to get started. Then you can learn modifications one on one with one of our amazing staff members. Then if you are interested you can proceed into group classes equipped with the knowledge to support your injury and recovery. Those appointments are made by our staff and according to your availability. Once you purchase just text us and give us some times you are available and we will match you with an instructor.
If you are ready to proceed into group classes now then our two week intro for only $59 is the best bet for you! You can cycle or do pilates for two weeks unlimited! Your first class with us though will be the beginner group pilates orientation which we hold on Fridays at 445pm and Saturdays at 11am. Then you will ready for our group classes!
Come see us today whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced!
Check out our New Client Special to get started today!
