What is Pilates?
Pilates is a full-body exercise system that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance using specially designed equipment and matwork. It works the entire body and focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse". The Powerhouse is the group of muscles that begins two inches below your navel, goes two inches above your navel and then wraps completely around your front and your back-kind of like a corset. It also includes the muscles of the pelvis and hips. With Pilates, no matter what exercise you are doing you are focusing on this powerhouse area.
Pilates is based on six principles. What are they?
The most important principle is concentration. You must be very conscious of the exercises and focused on how you are performing each movement and exercise. Second is control. Every movement is to be done with control, so you aren't just throwing your body around. Third is centering, so that you are evenly using your body. Think of a plumb line down the middle of the body working both sides evenly. The fluidity of the exercise is fourth. It's important because once you've learned the routine, it should look something like a dance where every movement flows into the next. Precision is fifth. Each exercise has precision points that make it safe and effective. Finally, breath is also very important to the exercises. Breath supports and enhances movement, as well as provided needed oxygen to your body to combat fatigue. So again, concentration, control, centering, fluidity, precision and breath are the six basic principles.
Who can benefit from Pilates?
Almost everyone can benefit from performing Pilates exercises. Beginners, and people with special considerations such as bad backs, or sore necks, will be instructed in modifications to support and accomodate that condition. Athletes will build core awareness, strength, and endurance, as well as increasing flexibility, so necessary for sports. Older participants will increase balance control and build muscle mass necessary to combat osteoporosis.
How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise?
Pilates is different from most exercises out there because it's non-impact and safe, and it really works on using the body as a whole. Pilates is considered "Functional Training" in that movements are performed with control while lying on the back, seated, kneeling, side-lying, and standing...al the different ways we use our bodies. Movements are initiated and controlled from the powerhouse, using your abdominal wall to protect your back. You're also working the body very evenly and symmetrically, making sure one side is not working harder than the other.
Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout?
Initially the workout is slow moving because everything is being explained to you. Eventually, once you learn the workout and you're going through the motions, it becomes aerobic. You can get a cardiovascular workout when you're on the equipment and working on an advanced level because it's more physical. And some classes alternate classic Pilates moves with sequences of heart-rate boosting exercises for a double-duty effect. You have to work towards it, but Pilates can be cardiovascular.
What would you say is the key difference between yoga and Pilates?
There's a whole line of equipment in Pilates that doesn't exist in yoga, so it provides a different angle. You're doing exercises with the assistance and resistance of springs and pulleys. The springs may assist you or they may make an exercise more difficult, depending on the exercise. There's definitely a mind-body connection and a very similar fluidity in both.
What should I look for in a Pilates instructor?
Because Pilates is so hot right now there are a lot of different organizations claiming to offer certification using the movements of Joseph Pilates. So it's important to use your judgement and really get a feel for an instructor. Become knowledgeable about their certification and education. Balance Pilates & Yoga Center is a national training site for Peak Pilates-- of Boulder, Colorado-- an international educational system recognized world-wide as a leader in Pilates education and equipment. Balance Pilates teachers studied and apprenticed for over 600 hours. We also continually update our skills and knowledge by taking continuing education courses, and independent studies.
How often can I do Pilates?
Is it like weight training in that you need to rest your muscles for 48 hours between workouts?
Pilates is safe enough to do every day. Initially you may want to do it every day so you get a rhythm and become consistent; then a good goal is to do it every other day. Joseph Pilates used to say to do it three times a week.
Will my body be sore after a Pilates class?
Feeling sore is a very individual thing. Some people don't feel sore. Pilates is what you put into it. If you're really conscious and making an effort to make every movement count, you'll most likely feel something the following day. It also has to do with your athleticism. If you've been sedentary, you're probably going to feel it more than someone who's very active. It's all relative. Many people report that although they found the workout challenging and fatiguing while in the midst of it, they walked out of the studio feeling wonderfully invigorated and full of energy!
How can beginners get the most benefit from Pilates?
Be consistent, especially in the beginning. Give it a few shots and do it in succession. Make it your reward, your break from a hectic day. Also, listen to your body and really concentrate-it makes for a better workout. To get the most out of Pilates, you have to be very present. Your body and mind will thank you.
What do I wear for Pilates?
Wear what you are comfortable in! Shorts and a t-shirt, yoga pants and a tank top, whatever it is that you would go for a walk in. You don't want anything that is too bulky, or too floppy, for safety. Sock must be worn during your session. Specialized sticky-socks are available for purchase at the studio, or you may borrow a pair of our community socks. Don't worry, they are washed after every use!
How are Pilates and Yoga different?
Pilates is a full-body exercise system that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance using specially designed equipment and matwork. It works the entire body and focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse". The Powerhouse is the group of muscles that begins two inches below your navel, goes two inches above your navel and then wraps completely around your front and your back-kind of like a corset. It also includes the muscles of the pelvis and hips. With Pilates, no matter what exercise you are doing you are focusing on this powerhouse area.
Pilates is based on six principles. What are they?
The most important principle is concentration. You must be very conscious of the exercises and focused on how you are performing each movement and exercise. Second is control. Every movement is to be done with control, so you aren't just throwing your body around. Third is centering, so that you are evenly using your body. Think of a plumb line down the middle of the body working both sides evenly. The fluidity of the exercise is fourth. It's important because once you've learned the routine, it should look something like a dance where every movement flows into the next. Precision is fifth. Each exercise has precision points that make it safe and effective. Finally, breath is also very important to the exercises. Breath supports and enhances movement, as well as provided needed oxygen to your body to combat fatigue. So again, concentration, control, centering, fluidity, precision and breath are the six basic principles.
Who can benefit from Pilates?
Almost everyone can benefit from performing Pilates exercises. Beginners, and people with special considerations such as bad backs, or sore necks, will be instructed in modifications to support and accomodate that condition. Athletes will build core awareness, strength, and endurance, as well as increasing flexibility, so necessary for sports. Older participants will increase balance control and build muscle mass necessary to combat osteoporosis.
How is Pilates different from other forms of exercise?
Pilates is different from most exercises out there because it's non-impact and safe, and it really works on using the body as a whole. Pilates is considered "Functional Training" in that movements are performed with control while lying on the back, seated, kneeling, side-lying, and standing...al the different ways we use our bodies. Movements are initiated and controlled from the powerhouse, using your abdominal wall to protect your back. You're also working the body very evenly and symmetrically, making sure one side is not working harder than the other.
Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout?
Initially the workout is slow moving because everything is being explained to you. Eventually, once you learn the workout and you're going through the motions, it becomes aerobic. You can get a cardiovascular workout when you're on the equipment and working on an advanced level because it's more physical. And some classes alternate classic Pilates moves with sequences of heart-rate boosting exercises for a double-duty effect. You have to work towards it, but Pilates can be cardiovascular.
What would you say is the key difference between yoga and Pilates?
There's a whole line of equipment in Pilates that doesn't exist in yoga, so it provides a different angle. You're doing exercises with the assistance and resistance of springs and pulleys. The springs may assist you or they may make an exercise more difficult, depending on the exercise. There's definitely a mind-body connection and a very similar fluidity in both.
What should I look for in a Pilates instructor?
Because Pilates is so hot right now there are a lot of different organizations claiming to offer certification using the movements of Joseph Pilates. So it's important to use your judgement and really get a feel for an instructor. Become knowledgeable about their certification and education. Balance Pilates & Yoga Center is a national training site for Peak Pilates-- of Boulder, Colorado-- an international educational system recognized world-wide as a leader in Pilates education and equipment. Balance Pilates teachers studied and apprenticed for over 600 hours. We also continually update our skills and knowledge by taking continuing education courses, and independent studies.
How often can I do Pilates?
Is it like weight training in that you need to rest your muscles for 48 hours between workouts?
Pilates is safe enough to do every day. Initially you may want to do it every day so you get a rhythm and become consistent; then a good goal is to do it every other day. Joseph Pilates used to say to do it three times a week.
Will my body be sore after a Pilates class?
Feeling sore is a very individual thing. Some people don't feel sore. Pilates is what you put into it. If you're really conscious and making an effort to make every movement count, you'll most likely feel something the following day. It also has to do with your athleticism. If you've been sedentary, you're probably going to feel it more than someone who's very active. It's all relative. Many people report that although they found the workout challenging and fatiguing while in the midst of it, they walked out of the studio feeling wonderfully invigorated and full of energy!
How can beginners get the most benefit from Pilates?
Be consistent, especially in the beginning. Give it a few shots and do it in succession. Make it your reward, your break from a hectic day. Also, listen to your body and really concentrate-it makes for a better workout. To get the most out of Pilates, you have to be very present. Your body and mind will thank you.
What do I wear for Pilates?
Wear what you are comfortable in! Shorts and a t-shirt, yoga pants and a tank top, whatever it is that you would go for a walk in. You don't want anything that is too bulky, or too floppy, for safety. Sock must be worn during your session. Specialized sticky-socks are available for purchase at the studio, or you may borrow a pair of our community socks. Don't worry, they are washed after every use!
How are Pilates and Yoga different?