What is the Pilates Method of body conditioning?

Imagine an exercise program that you look forward to, that engages you, and that leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being.The Pilates Method (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) of body conditioning will do all this...and more.

Developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of The New York Pilates Studio®, Joseph H. Pilates, The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. Not surprisingly, some of the first people to use the Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine.

The Pilates Method is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers.

Who was Joseph Pilates?
What are the benefits of Pilates?
What makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise?
How is Pilates different than weight training or other resistance exercise?
What kind of results can I expect to see from doing Pilates?
Will Pilates Help Me Lose Weight?
How many calories are burned by doing Pilates?
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Is Pilates like Yoga?
I have a bad back. Will I be able to do Pilates?
Can I do Pilates while pregnant?
What should I wear?

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was... Born in Germany in 1880, Joseph H. Pilates had a lifelong interest in body conditioning. As a frail child dedicated to becoming stronger, he later grew to become an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer. While interned in England during World War I for his German citizenship, Joseph became a nurse. During this time, he designed exercise apparatus for immobilized patients by attaching springs to hospital beds. This system formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning and specialized exercise apparatus, which he brought to New York City when he opened the first New York Pilates Studio® in 1926. Currently, the Pilates Method is used internationally by individuals at all levels of fitness as well as by dance companies, Broadway shows, students at performing arts schools and universities, sports teams, spa clients, and fitness enthusiasts at private health clubs and gyms.

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What are the benefits of Pilates?

The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a refreshing and energizing workout. Because conditioning sessions are done one-to-one with a certified teacher or in closely supervised small groups, each session is tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of your current level of fitness - from sedentary office worker to fitness enthusiast - the Pilates Method can be your primary mode of body conditioning and injury prevention. Recently discovered by physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedists, The Pilates Method of body conditioning can also be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs designed to speed recovery of soft tissue injuries. The Pilates Method can be safely used by pregnant women to learn proper breathing and body alignment, improve concentration, and recover body shape and tone after pregnancy.

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What makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise?

Joseph H. Pilates designed more than 500 specific exercises using five major pieces of unique apparatus to develop the body uniformly. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Joseph H. Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and form. Because your mind is required to engage with your body to perform the movements correctly, you experience a new awareness of muscle function and control. The "powerhouse" - abdomen, lower back, and buttocks - is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely. To provide safe and effective conditioning for our clients, instruction is given only by certifed instuctors who complete a rigorous certification program including seminar and practical training over a four month period. The certification program follows the authentic teachings of Joseph Pilates.

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How is Pilates different than weight training or other resistance exercise?

Spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction • In Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints • Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that may lead to injury • Pilates balances strength with flexibility • Pilates leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness • Pilates is a well balanced, total body workout that re-forms your body from the inside ... out

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What kind of results can I expect to see from doing Pilates?

Pilates will increase your muscle strength and give you better muscle definition. It works the deep abdominal muscles that support your spine, improves your flexibility, range of motion, posture, makes you more aware of your body and engages your mind.

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Will Pilates Help Me Lose Weight?

Pilates is known for creating long lean muscles. By increasing your muscle mass, you will increase your fat burning potential. Exercise burns calories, but how many calories you burn depends on your body type and your exertion level during the activity. Pilates is a wonderful addition to a weight loss program of aerobic activity and a healthy diet and lifestyle.

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How many calories are burned by doing Pilates?

According to Self Magazine’s "Calories Burned Calculator," doing 60 minutes of intermediate Pilates a 5’5 female would burn the following calories: • 120 lbs. 256 calories • 130 lbs. 278 calories • 140 lbs. 326 calories • 150 lbs. 350 calories • 160 lbs. 373 calories • 170 lbs. 396 calories • 180 lbs. 420 calories • 190 lbs. 443 calories • 200 lbs. 466 calories

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What are the benefits of Pilates?

Increases core strength & stability • Heightens mind-body awareness • Longer, leaner muscles • Improves coordination, balance, and circulation • Helps prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones) • Improves posture • Enhances athletic performance (golf, dance, horseback riding, tennis) • Complements other methods of exercise • Small class sizes • Relieves stress and back pain • Helps prevent injury • No-impact - easy on the joints • Can be customized for everyone

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Is Pilates like Yoga?

Pilates and Yoga are similar in many ways, and both are considered mind-body movements. Both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The main difference is that Pilates focuses more on core strengthening and pelvic stabilization.

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I have a bad back. Will I be able to do Pilates?

A Pilates workout is a gentle and controlled workout with no sudden jarring movements. However, you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine.

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Can I do Pilates while pregnant?

If you have been a regular Pilates participant before your pregnancy, then yes you can continue, providing you follow your doctor’s advice. You will need to modify your workout as you go through the different trimesters.

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What should I wear?

Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Some students prefer t-shirts and sweatpants, and others prefer workout tanks and yoga pants. Athletic clothing that is flexible and non-binding is recommended. We request that bike shorts or tights be worn underneath loose fitting shorts.

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