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Q. What are the benefits of Pilates? |
- You will lose inches!!!
- Longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
- improves postural problems
- increases core strength
- helps prevent injury
- enhances fitness, ease of movement
- balances strength & flexibility
- no-impact - easy on joints
- compliments other methods of exercise
- improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating, dance, etc)
- improves balance, coordination & circulation
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Q. Is Pilates like Yoga? |
| In some respects Pilates conditioning is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with Pilates is to achieve optimal functional fitness. |
Q. What kind of results can I expect to see from doing Pilates? |
| You can expect to lose inches, increase flexibility, mobility, balance and body awareness, as well as decrease in back pain/other general pains. |
Q. I have a bad back. Will I be able to do Pilates? |
| Although you should always consult your physician before starting and fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results. |
About Equipment
Q. What is a Reformer? |
| The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise. The Reformer glides forward & backwards on rollers and uses springs for resistance, along with other attachments, for a wide variety of exercises andpositions (i.e. lying down, seated & standing.) |
Q. What are the other pieces of equipment used for? |
| A broad variety of streching and strengthening exercises are done on the Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. While the REFORMER is the key peice of equipment, all of the other pieces are highly versatile and have their own distinct features and benefits. |
Q. What are the benefits of this type of conditioning equipment? |
| Pilates core conditioning equipment is highly versatile. It facilitates hundreds of exercise variations, is no-impact (and therefore easy on the joints), allows for modifications for those with injuries/conditions, allows for three-dimensional movement/conditioning, and is suitable for a wide variety of clients (from rehab to pro athlete). It also facilitate balanced strength & flexibility, provides eccentric/concentric muscle contraction (resistance on the in and out moves), total musculo-skeletal conditioning (muscles & postural alignment), and facilitates core conditioning and peripheral mobility. |
Q. Why are springs used for resistance instead of weights? |
| In using springs for resistance, the equipment provides gradual resistance as your muscles contract, which ensures the muscles are being worked properly. There is greater resistance at the muscles's strongest pont of contraction & less resistance on the initiation/completion of the contraction so there is less stress on tendons and ligaments. |
Q. Is this equipment good for flexibility? |
| Yes, it is excellent for improving flexibilty. Flexibility is a key component of total fitness that has been largely ignored by other conditioning methods. Emphasis is placed on the eccentric contraction (lengthening of the muscles) throughout the workout. |
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