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| What
IS Pilates? |
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Joseph Pilates developed
his unique approach to exercise with the goal of
muscle strength and flexibility balance, mind
body connections and time efficiency in mind.
Pilates is a mat based exercise program, to help
you gain core strength, flexibility, body
awareness and more. |
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| Do
you have to be really fit to start Pilates? |
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No. Pilates is for all
fitness levels. An experienced instructor will
offer accommodations and adjustments for various
fitness levels and special needs. Be sure to
voice any concerns to your instructor before you
start any exercise program, and of course listen
to your body. Pilates is often recommended by
chiropractors, physicians and physical therapists
to help with various injuries and chronic
conditions. Pilates is for all age levels. If you
don’t have the strength or flexibility to
perform all the moves, that’s OK. You will
develop strength and flexibility by doing Pilates
regularly. |
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| Pilates
is like yoga, isn’t it? |
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Both forms of exercise are
mat based and both incorporate awareness of
breathing and body alignment. Pilates and yoga
certainly help one attain certain fitness goals,
however, that is where the similarities end. In
contrast to yogic breathing, Pilates breath does
not expand into the stomach. In order to maintain
this type of breath, the core muscles are held in
a constant state of tension, developing strength
and tone that are unattainable through other
methods. The practice of yoga is generally a
series of poses, whereas Pilates is movement
based. |
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| Shouldn’t
I start out with the machines? |
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Joseph Pilates developed
the mat program before the machines. The mat
exercises thoroughly reach all the major muscles
groups, and even some you forgot you had! The
machines were developed to be a supplement to the
mat exercises. |
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| What
are the bands for? |
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The bands (latex-free) are
an optional work option for experienced
participants who want to supplement the mat class
with bands to simulate the Reformer machine. |
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| How
often should I exercise? |
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The general guidelines for
fitness participation are 3-5 times per week,
20-60 minutes each time. With this in mind, one
should practice Pilates, or another strength and
flexibility exercise 2 to 3 times a week, and
some form of aerobic exercise 2 to 3 times per
week. Remember a well-rounded program with
variety will help to prevent overuse injury,
boredom and fitness plateaus. Regular attendance
to a good Pilates class will provide you with
diversity in your exercise program. |
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| What
should I wear? |
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Wear comfortable, stretchy
clothing that you can move in. Clothing that is
too loose will inhibit the instructor’s
ability to see your technique. It could also gape
open during some of the exercises and take your
focus away from your technique. Remember also,
that many of the exercises are performed on your
back therefore undergarments with hooks, strap
adjustors and bows could be uncomfortable on your
spine. |
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| What
should I bring? |
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Bring your own exercise
mat. Bare feet are most common, but you may
choose to wear dance shoes. Sneakers and other
street shoes are not allowed on the sprung wood
floor, and socks do not provide enough traction.
There is spring water and cups provided. |
