Pilates Equipment and Exercises

What is Pilates?

Don't be surprised if some beginner Reformer exercises seem simple - a relaxing, almost effortless glide back and forth on the carriage with none of that overexertion sensation you get from pumping iron. The effects go deep, and you'll engage muscles you never knew you had. As you progress, the fitness challenge becomes significantly greater.

Pilates is an innovative, non-impact fitness system of mind-body exercise, a series of stretching and strengthening movements evolved from the rehabilitation techniques and principles developed and practiced by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.  Today, Pilates has become one of the most popular exercise systems in the world. It is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best.

The Pilates Reformer helps you establish torso stability and postural alignment while working peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.
 

Who Can do Pilates?

Indeed one of the best things about Pilates is that it works so well for a wide range of people, from elite athletes to the general public, from pregnancy to seniors and those requiring physical rehabilitation. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you.

Pilates is a total body-conditioning workout, focusing on abdominal strength, co-ordination, balance and flexibility. It is highly acclaimed and everyone can benefit from Pilates by incorporating it into everyday life.

Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By focusing on proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency and let’s not forget, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates benefits everyone at any age or fitness level. Some of those benefits include longer, leaner muscles, increased range of movement and increased flexibility. When strength and muscle tone are increased with accompanying increase of flexibility, the incidents of injury is decreased. Many people enjoy less joint and back pain and increased energy and stamina. For those with a foundational fitness level to the athlete, the addition of Pilates to their routine provides improved balance, coordination and circulation and improves performance in sports. The functional fitness of Pilates helps prevent overuse injuries commonly seen in athletes as well as weekend warriors

How often should I do Pilates?

This really depends on what your goals are. The basis of mastery is consistency. We recommend at least twice a week; three times a week is optimal. The great thing about Pilates is that it can be done every day in different formats. The frequency and consistency of Pilates several times a week will help you learn the technique and rhythm faster and more effectively.

We like to refer to the 10-20-30 principle of Joseph Pilates. He stated that in 10 sessions you will notice a difference in your body. In 20 sessions you and others will notice valuable results. In 30 sessions, you will have a whole new body! Now, of course, that also depends on you and what other things you do to accompany Pilates—or to hinder it. We all know that no amount of Pilates will offset daily ice cream sundaes with all the toppings