What is Pilates?

Pilates is a program of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, creates long, lean muscles without bulking up, and reduces stress. Pilates works multiple muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the central body core (Abdominal region). Pilates focuses on quality of movement rather than quantity, as a result one feels invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates's balanced approach ensures that no muscle group is overworked and as a result the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

Who can benefit from a pilates program?

Pilates is for the young, the old, the sedentary, the athletic, the strong, the weak, the flexible, and the inflexible; basically Pilates is for everyone. It is for pregnant women, is great for rehabilitation from injury, and is often recommended by doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors. A Pilates fitness program can be a complete workout, or as a supplement to other methods of fitness, or as a tool to educate the body to have better posture.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

How do I begin a pilates program?

Most Pilates professionals recommend that your first Pilates session is a private lesson. The instructor will introduce you to the equipment, give you an idea of where your body's strengths and weaknesses lie, and enable you to make informed decisions regarding your program and goals. A foundation of the principles and philosophy of Pilates will allow you to make the most out of joint classes later in your development.

What is the difference between machine pilates and mat pilates ?

Machine pilates is generally a one-on-one class using a variety of equipment to perform any of over 500 exercises. Mat pilates is generally a group class, performing the same exercises, at the same pace, without the help of extensive machine work.

What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?

The creator of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, was inspired by both eastern and western methodologies while developing his program, as a result there are many similarities; however, the breathing is different, you are asked to pull your stomach in rather than allowing it to expand with breath, and most importantly Pilates is about movement, rather than the holding of postures.