What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method is an innovative system of whole body conditioning based on the power of connecting the mind, the body, and the breath in a series of focused and precise movements. Pioneered by Joseph H. Pilates over seventy years ago, Pilates develops strength, flexibility, and coordination while improving body alignment, awareness, and balance. Pilates is performed both on the mat and on specially designed equipment, which uses the resistance of springs to open and align the skeletal system while strengthening and balancing the muscular system. Movement is experienced from the inside out, with a strong focus on developing deep core muscles and internal awareness for increased support, stabilization, and body-mind integration.

How do I get started?
It is generally recommended that a new student take a few private Pilates sessions before starting group classes. If this is prohibitive because of cost or scheduling, we recommend taking a few of our Beginning-level classes to learn some of the fundamental principles and to determine if Pilates is right for you. Then, if you are in reasonably good health and have no injuries, you can use your own judgment in progressing to Intermediate, Advanced or Open-level classes.

How often should I do Pilates?
It depends on what else you are doing. Pilates can be a wonderful complement to any exercise program, promoting freedom of movement, coordination, stability and greater body awareness. If you are already exercising a few times a week, doing Pilates once or twice a week might round out your regimen. If you want to make Pilates the main component of your exercise program, we recommend three times a week at a minimum. This could be any combination of private sessions and classes. And we think you should still do something else besides Pilates.

I have an injury. Can I still do Pilates?
Pilates is great for those recovering from injuries because it's adaptable enough to work around many injuries, allowing clients to still get good exercise, and the exercises themselves can be immensely helpful as part of a rehabilitative program. If you are injured, you should also be under the care of a medical professional who can help you determine what and how much exercise is safe for you to do

Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Only insofar as some exercise is better than no exercise. We recommend that you do some cardiovascular training in addition to doing Pilates. Jae Gruenke of Intelligent Exercise (www.intelligentexercise.com) writes, "A study of the fitness benefits of Pilates mat classes by the American Council on Exercise showed that the cardiovascular benefits and calorie-burning potential of the exercise was equivalent at best to a walk at a moderate pace. That is enough physical activity to reduce your risk for major diseases of aging, including heart disease and diabetes, since these benefits come when you go from no exercise to very mild regular exercise. But it's definitely not enough to make your heart and lungs particularly fit or to help you lose weight.'

Will Pilates help my Yoga practice/ golf game/ etc.?
Pilates can be a strong complement to a Yoga practice, cultivating strength and stability in the lengthened positions demanded by Yoga. With respect to golf, tennis, running, skiing, basketball or anything else, remember :sport-specific training is just that. What you need to do to complement your regular training depends on what your sport is. Working one-on-one with a Pilates instructor will allow you to adapt the exercises to your specific needs, but Pilates is a better match with some activities than with others. If you have areas you want to improve in your current physical practice, give us a call and we’ll help you figure out if Pilates is what you're looking for.