Frequently Asked Questions
ALL ABOUT PILATES
“‘Contrology’ is complete coordination of mind, body and spirit. . . . Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality,
invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”
Joseph H. Pilates
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez) – This all encompassing method, originally called “Contrology,” is a set of fundamentals and exercises designed to increase circulation, flexibility and mobility while strengthening specific areas of the body. It is not how much, how strong, and how many, but rather an awareness of the whole body working in unison with proper technique. Many of the exercises can be performed on nothing more than a floor mat while hundreds more can be performed using the specially designed pieces of equipment.
Pilates puts great focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles or what Joseph Pilates referred to as the “powerhouse.” Virtually all exercises in the method work the powerhouse and lead to a flatter belly and a stronger, more evenly developed lower back. You will be strengthening small muscle groups to support the movement and abilities of the larger muscles. Each exercise links breathing with strengthening and stretching; each movement is designed to scientifically oxygenate, stretch and strengthen a particular muscle group. The movements are slow and fluid, which demands that they be precise.
“Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment
of any worthwhile endeavor.”
Joseph H. Pilates WHO WAS JOSEPH H. PILATES?
Joseph H. Pilates, born in 1880 near Dusseldorf, Germany, is best described as a fitness visionary. During his childhood, he struggled with numerous diseases including asthma, rheumatic fever and rickets. Through vigorous physical exercises and participation in a number of health studies, he regained his health. During his life he worked as a boxer, self-defense trainer, gymnast and circus performer and was an ardent student of meditation, karate and yoga.
In 1926, after years of research, he brought to New York City a method of body conditioning unlike anything health and fitness enthusiasts had seen. A year later, he married kindergarten teacher Clara, whom he met on the boat headed for America. Together, they founded and operated the Pilates Studio next to the New York City Ballet and trained and rehabilitated dancers including George Balanchine, Ruth St. Denis, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham.
Joseph practiced what he preached and lived a long, healthy life. He taught his method of “Contrology” until l967 when he died at age 87 due to injuries sustained in a fire at his studio while trying to remove pieces of equipment. After his death, Clara continued to run the studio. In 1970, she joined forces with Romana Kryzanowska, whom Joseph began training in 1950. Together, they promoted the method now known as Pilates and continued to run the studio.
After Clara’s death, Romana worked diligently to preserve this incredible legacy of Joseph H. Pilates.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks
with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
Joseph H. Pilates
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF PILATES?
- BREATH: Deep and proper breathing is essential to clear
the mind and cleanse the body. Breathing ineffectively or holding the breath can be harmful.
- CONCENTRATION: You will experience the best results when you are fully present in mind and body;
- CONTROL: Each movement is controlled and precise – Control is at the core of every movement;
- CENTER: Find your “Powerhouse” and focus on the muscles in the center of your body; the abdomen, lower back, hips, gluteals and pelvic floor;
- FLUIDITY: Pilates exercises are flowing within themselves and each movement smoothly flows into the next, and;
- PRECISION: Pilates focuses on performing precise movements with precise form
WHY SO MUCH PILATES TALK LATELY?
The benefits! It is a method that has proven itself. Pilates feels good. The results are fast and long lasting! Your mind and body are revitalized and invigorated. Decades after its introduction, it is a method whose time has come. Today, Pilates is one of the fastest growing forms of conditioning in the health and fitness industry. QUITE SIMPLY…IT WORKS!
“You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a completely different body in 30 sessions.”
Joseph H. Pilates
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PILATES?
- Fast and long lasting results
- Loss of unwanted inches from hips, thighs, and flatter belly
- Decreases pain
- Distributes weight more evenly
- Improves posture, balance and coordination
- Increases flexibility and mobility
- Improves abilities in athletic endeavors, sports and everyday activities and functions
- Invigorates, rehabilitates and rejuvenates the mind and body
- Strengthens without bulk or strain on the joints
- Excellent post-pregnancy reconditioning;
- Improves sex life; and,
- Promotes overall mental and physical fitness and sense of well being.
WHO CAN DO PILATES?
Everyone! Pilates has a place in everyone’s fitness regime. All ages, genders, and fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners will experience positive benefits and results. You can choose private, semi-private or group mat or equipment-based sessions or classes that offer a wide variety of fitness propelling experiences. Either way, there is a match for you.
* Be sure you have a physician’s approval before beginning this or any exercise program.
CAN PILATES HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?
Yes. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, including a lean diet, plenty of water and a cardiovascular exercise program, Pilates is an excellent addition to assist you in attaining and maintaining weight loss. Here are some reasons why:
- Pilates increases lean muscle mass – thereby creating greater caloric burn and a more efficient metabolism;
- Pilates redistributes weight in a balanced, toned way;
- Pilates reduces susceptibility to stress and illnesses that can sabotage weight loss goals;
- Pilates corrects posture, creating a leaner, longer more confident physique and demeanor;
- Pilates is energizing and brings fast, long lasting results; and,
- Pilates is exercise! You burn calories!
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO DO PILATES TO SEE RESULTS?
Pilates can be done once a week or everyday based on the individual’s lifestyle as well as their health and fitness levels and goals. Most clients report the best results when Pilates is a part of their program a minimum of two times per week.
CAN PILATES HELP ME WITH OTHER SPORTS & ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS?
Yes – In Pilates you work to attain balance in both sides of the body. This is particularly helpful with sports that involve using the body unilaterally such as golf and tennis. In addition, the improved balance, agility, confidence, coordination, increased flexibility and ease of mobility with reduced stress on the joints, mental clarity and strength all translate into improved abilities and skills.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PILATES AND YOGA?
The Differences:
Yoga
- Eastern
- Practiced by various cultures for centuries
- Poses require physical strength and stamina
- Focus on mindfulness and the meditative aspects necessary to live a balanced life
- Uses a mat, some props
- Holding of poses
Pilates
- Western
- Debuted in the early 1900s
- Exercise requires physical strengthening and overall conditioning of the body
- Focus on the clearing the mind to focus and control the body and allow it to execute each movement with precision and fluidity thereby creating a greater connection between both
- Can use a mat or specially designed apparatus and many props
- Move through a range of motion that flows from one pose to another
The Similarities:
- Both practices are time proven
- Both practices focus on mindful and correct breathing to cleanse and focus
- Both increase flexibility and strength
- Both improve coordination and balance
- Both support a healthy immune system and reduce stress
- Both Pilates and Yoga can be done alone on a mat or in a group setting
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Try both. The benefits you receive from each can only serve to enhance the other. Get the stretch from Yoga and maintain it with Pilates. Strengthen your powerhouse and your Yoga poses will take notice.
Above all, have fun and trust the wisdom of your body. It will tell you what feels like a program you will fit into your lifestyle. Pilates and Yoga are great compliments to each other.
IS IT TRUE PILATES PROMOTES A HEALTHY SEX LIFE?
Yes! Let’s talk Kegels. How about a strong pelvic floor? What do Kegels, urine control, orgasms and Pilates have in common? Strong pelvic floor. Pilates gives you strength and a stronger core.
These in turn give you more endurance and stamina. Pilates gives you greater flexibility, mobility and range of motion. Pilates improves circulation and blood flow. Pilates requires you to breathe deeply and concentrate mentally. Do you see where I am going here?
Pilates and a healthy sex life share very compatible components.
“Above all, learn to breathe correctly.”
Joseph H. Pilates
ISN’T PILATES EXPENSIVE?
Joseph Pilates intended for “Contrology” to be a universal method of mind/body conditioning. That is why we provide a wide variety of Pilates and fitness options, making it more affordable for men and women to have the opportunity to benefit from Pilates training. Our training begins as low as $20 per session.
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