What exactly is the Pilates Method?
It is a method of total body conditioning: a functional workout that takes the human body to an amazing journey through all planes of motion using specific exercises, each one with a purpose and a goal executed on a mat and a variety of equipment and small apparatus all very cleverly designed to either reveal and help our weaknesses or challenge our strengths but also enhance our kinaesthetic abilities and our innate intelligence in order to develop a uniformly healthy and strong body, a prerequisite for a high quality of life as the method's creator said. By regular practice, CONCENTRATION and attention to proper breathing patterns, Pilates Method is not only an excellent fitness modality, but over time it has proven itself as a valuable addition to the training of athletes and dancers as well as to their reintegration after injuries. Romana Kryzanowska, the great lady of Pilates, used to say that Pilates is stretch with strength and control. And the control part is the most important because it makes you use your mind.
What are the benefits of the Pilates method?
With REGULAR practice Pilates method we can improve our:
Respiratory function and capacity.
Strength and flexibility.
Coordination kinetically and mentally.
Posture and gait, better balance.
Bone density and healthier joints.
Awareness of our body movements.
Circulatory system.
The Pilates Method teaches us balance and control and this ability has
an impact on all aspects of our daily lives.
What is also very important for everyone to realize, is that in Pilates (as in everything in life) everyone gains as much as they consciously put into it.
Will I lose weight with the Pilates method?
With Pilates, as with any modality that uses resistance, you achieve something more important: working
your muscles to become stronger and thus stimulate your muscle tissue, which is the ONLY way to burn
more calories during the whole day even when resting. However you should bear in mind that the main
factor in order to lose weight is eating right.
And one more thing, mainly concerning women: you will
avoid the risk of osteoporosis!
I suffer from lower back pain, will the Pilates Method help me?
The focus of Pilates to strengthen our core, while improving our flexibility and posture makes this method extremely helpful not only when our backs ache but with every musculoskeletal problem. The Pilates Method differs from other disciplines because it focuses on the use the Powerhouse, a group of muscles that wrap our body from the lower ribs to below our buttocks, include our inner and outer thighs and support our lower back. Plus the emphasis is put on creating space within our joints, thus freeing the movement of the limbs. Even people in good shape may be surprised when they see how much detail is required to properly execute the exercises. We cannot stress enough though the fact that it is safer at least for those who have a problem and should avoid certain movements in order to prevent some new injury or aggravation of symptoms, to prefer, even initially for some time, private lessons before getting in a group class.
Which is best: mat or equipment?
As my teacher has put it, Mat and Reformer are the bread and butter of the Pilates Method. Mr. Pilates developed his method for the Mat and the results are excellent, successively passing from the beginner to the advanced repertoire. The Reformer is the sister work to the Mat. Designed to frame and provide proper support to our body in order to achieve the best alignment, it also adds resistance, which strengthens our muscles. Then come the rest of the equipment which can help or challenge the work on the Mat and the Reformer. By taking care so that the movements are done in a way that create space in the joints, Pilates apparatus help tone and stretch our muscles using the variable resistance that the springs offer. This way the body gets information about the correct posture and uses it on the mat, where we must work on our own against gravity.
What is the difference between Gyrotonic® and Pilates?
The Gyrotonic Expansion System® has been compared and has sometimes even come in contradiction with Pilates. Both methods are holistic and pay special attention to the development of kinaesthesis, that is of how we perceive the movement of our bodies, strengthen our center, they both aim at the proper alignment and balance of our body. Horvarth himself , creator of Gyrotonic® is reluctant to take a stand, but people professionally involved with both methods claim that they simply offer two different paths leading to the same result: the awareness of our movements and therefore mastery of the body. It is important to match the exercise with each client. The exercises of Pilates Method are more linear and fitness focused while Gyrotonic® with its circular, spiraling and undulating moves and elaborate breathing requires more concentration and patience and is more energy focused.
What should I wear in class?
Your outfit should be comfortable and ideally allow the instructor to observe your body in action. The exercises are done barefoot or wearing socks to get a better sense of the feet in contact with the equipment, the mat or the floor.
How often should I exercise?
This depends on how much money and time each of us can afford . The minimum we recommend is twice a week, which is doable for most us considering our fast paced life. But these are methods that could be done daily without any doubt.
What happens if I miss a class?
We require a 24 hour early warning, otherwise the session is charged. When you do that, we will try to find you a place in another group the following month as long as you have renewed your subscription. For the private lessons, they will be charged if you fail to let us know in time. We appreciate your understanding for this policy: not letting us know prevents us from giving your space to someone who would like to make up for a lost lesson. Plus, as our trainers have bound their time for teaching each scheduled course they should be paid accordingly.