What are the principles behind the PILATES Method?

PILATES improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. The Five Basic Principles focus on:
Breathing
Pelvic placement
Rib cage placement
Scapular movement
Head & cervical spine placement

 

• Why has Pilates become so popular?
  

People are more and more interested in stress-relieving methods. They're more and more motivated to take care of their body and prevent injuries. They want to be in shape and stay this way as long as possible. Pilates is an ideal complement to other traditional techniques of exercice. Furthermore, it is accessible to everyone, from all ages, levels, physicals capacities and allows to aim for a wide range of goals.

• Can everyone practice Pilates?

No form of exercice is appropriate for everybodyl but Pilates is adapted to most of us.  A special program can be developed in case of any physical limitations. From sports athletes, people in rehabilitaton, to pregnant women or professional or amateur dancers, everyone can get significant benefits from it.

• How does Pilates differ from weights training?

Pilates is three-dimensional. Exercices are executed in all plans of movement. From the use of the springs, muscular contractions are at the same time concentric and eccentric and prevent the apparition of injuries. In other words, Pilates is less strenuous yet is still effective in gaining strength in your muscles.

 

Is PILATES exercise like Yoga?

In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with PILATES exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

 

Will I grow taller by doing PILATES?

Much of Pilates exercise requires you to look within, focus on your breathing, and feel the subtle differences within your body. Many people come to a very meditative state while doing Pilates, and therefore will grow mentally and spiritually over time through this type of exercise. By strengthening the postural muscles people have learned to maintain good posture thereby appearing taller.

 

What kind of results can I expect from doing PILATES?

You can expect an increase in strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain or other general pains.

 

How long will I have to do the workout before I see results?

The average active person doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and other factors such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries. It is also important to work with a well trained Certified Instructor.

 

• Will Pilates help me to lose weight?
  

Pilates can be a great addition to your weight loss program. Lost of weight appears when the consumed calories are fewer than the spent ones. The most efficient and healthy way of losing weight consists of a program mixing aerobics elements with some strenghtening elements like Pilates accompanied by a diet.

• Why do celebrities do Pilates?

Many celebrities are doing Pilates because this method increases their overall body shape, their endurance, concentration and also lowers their high level stress. Celebrities are always under the spot light. Pilates allows them to take a break, to find themselves again, and to better connect their body and mind. From the celebrities doing Pilates we can name:  Cheryl Tiegs, Sandra Bullock, Ellen DeGeneres, Rod Stewart, Sting, Martha Stewart, Rob Morrow, Victor Garber, Sofia Coppola, Veronica Tennant, Jennifer Aniston and Tiger Woods.

• Is it true that athletes do Pilates?
  

Despite its slow and controlled movements, Pilates is being practiced by professional athletes like the National Hockey League player Eddie Belfour, the star of the NBA Kobe Bryant and the tennisman Martina Navratilova. They got benefits from the instructions Pilates instructors gave them to reinforce the stability of their core, rebalance their musculatures and to become more efficient in their sport while avoiding frequent injuries.

 

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

Although you should always consult your physician before starting any 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.

 

If I'm doing Pilates, should I still do my regular workout?

PILATES exercise is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. It’s ideal in combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness etc.), and a great complement to your weight training program.

 

Is it safe to do Pilates during pregnancy?

Note: The following information should NOT be substituted for medical advice from your doctor. Please consult your physician for information on what will be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.

No two women's bodies are the same, and this is especially true during pregnancy. There are workouts that are quite appropriate for some people during pregnancy and not for others. During a normal, healthy pregnancy, moderate exercise is safe for the fetus. Exercise is also said to prevent varicose veins, hemorrhoids and low back pain and helps to boost self esteem, maintain fitness levels and prepare the body for the physical demands of motherhood.

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy and exercise must be adapted and modified as the pregnancy progresses. The beauty of Pilates is that it can be individualized for anyone's ability. Workouts and schedules during the first trimester may have to be adjusted around fatigue levels. Over the course of the pregnancy the demand on the abdominal muscles should be decreased. During the second trimester, these muscles become stretched out, and some women experience diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal.