what is pilates?
Pilates is a modern school of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s as a way to improve core strength and spinal alignment. Pilates combines flexibility, core strength and body awareness to support physical rehabilitation. “Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit” - Joseph Pilates. The Pilates method uses the breath and controlled movement to safely strengthen the body. Working from the center -the “powerhouse” muscles (your abdominal muscles including the transverse abdominis, pelvic floor plus the diaphragm, low back & hips) are strengthened and inform all the movements. The benefits of proper form will follow you outside the studio as well, as the powerhouse muscles protect the spine. Pilates is a system of exercises that build upon each other and are done on the mat and various Pilates apparatuses created by Joseph. Pilates is low impact and tailored to your body through variations and modifications, making it accessible to everyone and hard to plateau in your practice. The mind body connection used in your session not only helps you move with precision and gain body awareness - but it also eases stress. Pilates is a lifelong activity!
who should do pilates?
The Pilates Method is for Everybody and Every Body! No matter your level or age we strive to keep our clients fit and healthy through the teachings of the Pilates Method.
ALL AGES // Young adults to seniors can enjoy the benefits of the Pilates method. Pilates is designed for all levels of fitness and is easily modified for all clients. Pilates Programs can usually be started around the age of twelve, depending on the student. Pilates is a great form of training for the young dancer, ice skater, diver, and all athletes. Training privately will take the serious student to a higher level of strength and agility in their sport/discipline. Pilates is safe, non-impact, and non-stress, making it great for the senior population. It is good for flexibility, balance, and preventing injuries and falls. Pilates helps to improve/prevent some conditions that can occur with age, like: Arthritis, Muscle/joint stiffening, Postural changes, and Osteoperosis/osteoarthritis.
MEN // Did you know that Pilates is often used as a cross training program for Pro Athletes, including many football and basketball players? Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, a gymnast and a boxer. He was in incredible shape into his eighties. Core strength, flexibility, agility and economy of motion; all fundamentals of Pilates training, are highly relevant to men’s health & fitness. Pilates works on moving from the core and developing deep muscles of the entire body. This helps to stabilize and protect the back. Pilates is a great foundation for all types of sports , activities, and moving through life in general!
DANCERS // Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Pilates is great cross training for all dancers to get stronger, build full body flexibility and prevent injury. We love dancers at Pilates Ten. In fact, most of our instructors are dancers who have performed professionally. By choosing a Pilates instructor with dance experience, they have the insight to anticipate what the dancer needs and help them apply it to their dancing.
ATHLETES // Pilates is beneficial for athletes engaged in different sports because it helps stretch the muscles and decreases the risk of injury by strengthening the muscles around the joints. Strengthening the core will also help in effectively executing certain moves, like your golf swing, etc. Pilates’ focus on flexibility will help increase your range of motion. Sport specific moves can also be done on the equipment to help you to be efficient in your movement and help correct muscle imbalances.
SURFERS // For the casual to practically pro surfer, Pilates is great conditioning! Surfing uses the whole body and requires balance. The Pilates Method focuses on the core and breath as the center for all safe and strong movement. Pilates helps correct posture, strengthen the core, increase flexibility, and increase your body awareness. When you have a strong center with flexible joints, you are able to align and support your body and spine correctly, resulting in more control over movement and preventing injury. At Pilates Ten, we can tailor your workout for surfing - there are many exercises that will improve balance, strengthen and increase movement in the shoulders and upper back for paddling, and condition your back muscles for riding - and wiping out - safely.
PREGNANT & POSTPARTUM WOMEN // Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for a healthy pregnancy. It is beneficial both during and after pregnancy. Pilates is perfect because it is very adaptable and modifications can be made to almost all exercises to adjust with your body and abilities. Sessions at Pilates Ten are one on one which is ideal for keeping you safe and comfortable while working out throughout your pregnancy. As your body changes so will your routine. Prenatal Pilates is not strenuous, but is a great workout focused on safe range of motion, concentrating on deep core muscles, breathing, and gentle stretching. Then once baby is here and you are cleared by your physician, Pilates will help get you strong & moving again. Focusing on training your core muscles including the pelvic floor safely and effectively. Since your session is private, feel free to bring baby. They can lay on a blanket and ”watch” Mommy. This will help you to get your workouts in without the need of a baby sitter, and free you up to come in when you need to. Just bring toys, etc. to keep them occupied for 55 minutes. If baby needs some attention, we just take a break, no problem!
*Always check with your physician before starting a Pilates program.