Why Pilates?

The Pilates method is designed to connect you deeply to your core structures, build strength and improve mobility in joints that become more vulnerable with age and overuse. Pilates gets its reputation for long lean muscles by bringing attention to the eccentric contraction of your muscles. Both concentric and eccentric occur within the method, but few methods bring such specific focus to this essential component of movement. Pilates also puts a strong emphasis on maintaining active flexibility to avoid injuries from overly tight and inflexible muscles.

The Pilates equipment is uniquely and ingeniously designed to help muscles remain both strong and flexible. Our muscles best respond to gradually increasing tensions and weight bearing which the springs of the Pilates equipment provide unparalleled. I challenge anyone to find a machine that feels as delicious on the body as the Reformer. The Pilates Cadillac is a playground for movement in a variety of ways including providing ample opportunity for being upside down allowing for fun and traction. It also helps make gymnastic feats possible for almost everyone. The equipment seamlessly transforms from being a supportive spotter to your toughest gym coach, they are whatever you need them to be. 

A qualified instructor is fundamental  to what you get out of your Pilates experience. There is a mindfulness and a clarity that must be present. An instructor will guide you through movements that will allow you to experience your body in a new way, often finding muscles you didn’t know you had. You can use this as a maintenance program to help keep your muscles and joints happy and healthy or you can take this into any other movement practices or athletic endeavors you enjoy or wish to excel at. 

Can I do Pilates and yoga?

YES. Pilates is a great practice to pair with yoga. Yoga may have a very strong focus on the spiritual elements the poses offer, but yoga is hard and often demands quite a bit of strength and endurance. Pilates can 100% help you with your yoga practice by helping you to gain strength and feel empowered knowing how to command your muscles while striving to achieve spiritual excellence. 

Can I do Pilates if I’m injured?

YES. Here is where you will want to bring your practice to a one-on-one setting with a qualified instructor. Pilates is excellent for isolating certain muscles with the use of the Pilates equipment and props. Depending on your injury, your instructor may want to work with your PT to come up with a program if you are working with one. If you are not, this is ok too. Pilates is not PT, but in the absence of a good physical therapist, Pilates can be beneficial in bringing back strength to any compromised areas. 

Can I do Pilates if I am recovering from surgery? 

It depends. If your doctor or PT has cleared you for exercise, then YES. For the same reasons listed above, the Pilates equipment has the ability to provide support for the parts of your body that need it so you can safely work on the areas that are still capable of pain-free movement. There is no need to sideline movement for your entire body while waiting for a surgical procedure to fully heal. There is a period of rest in most cases that should be respected and then movement is gradually introduced back in. Please talk to your doctor to get the best answer to this question. 

What is the difference between Pilates and Physical Therapy?

Pilates is not PT. It is a holistic approach to therapeutic movement that will help you gain strength over time, help your muscles to become more balanced, and help your body to ultimately move better and more reliably. Pilates can be used to focus and isolate certain muscles that may under-perform or otherwise need special attention. It can also serve to dial back muscles that get over-used and to encourage a sense of release and lengthening when appropriate.