Pilates [pi-lah-teez] is a full body exercise method for anyone looking to improve their quality of life and overall fitness. This includes anyone from world class athletes to weekend warriors to those just beginning their fitness journey.
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise— it strengthens and stabilizes your core, which is your foundation. This allows you to move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility. A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to 1 hour and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and energized.
There are two different kinds of Pilates workouts: Mat and Equipment workouts. Pilates Mat workouts don’t require any equipment other than, yes, a mat, which is a tad thicker than your standard yoga mat in order to cushion pressure points. Additional props like the Magic Circle or a band can be added to create resistance.
For Equipment workouts, the most common piece of equipment is “The Reformer” which is a sliding platform complete with a stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance. Other unique pieces of equipment in the Pilates world are the “Wunda Chair” with padding and springs, the “Cadillac” (which looks a little like a bed with a canopy frame and is used in various ways for students), and the “Spine Corrector” or “Ladder Barrel” which are great for stretching and flexibility.
No matter what type of Pilates workout you are doing, you can expect it to involve slow, precise movements and breath control rather than cranking out endless reps towards muscle exhaustion. In Pilates, your muscles are working to lift against gravity and (in the case of the equipment) the resistance of the springs or bands— with the ultimate goal of strengthening and isolating the right muscles. This gives you a more focused workout with the repeated end goal of increasing core strength and flexibility.
Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques. Pilates compliments every other fitness endeavor because it prepares your body to move better in every way. Adding it into your routine will help you lift heavier weights, run faster, swim with better form, or even achieve that elusive arm balance in yoga.
A miracle? Not really. Too good to be true? Not at all. Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates himself, Pilates is a safe and sensible exercise system that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you!
Unlike most other types of exercise, a certified Pilates instructor is essential to perform the precise movements and get the most out of your Pilates practice. This will insure the intricate movements and breathing patterns are done precisely to get the maximum benefit. Fortunately at Haus of Pilates, our instructor(s) have over a decade of experience and the love for Pilates to make your fitness journey a successful one.
