Get a workout that will inform and enrich everything else you do. The Pilates Method is designed to make you stronger, leaner, more flexible and uniformly developed in mind and body. You will develop a regenerative energy that can carry you through the day with ease. You can relieve yourself of pain, imbalance and discomfort.
It’s all within your grasp.
It just takes walking through the door and committing to make a change.
What exactly is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region, sometimes referred to as the “powerhouse”).
The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialized equipment such as a Pilates Reformer, Pilates Cadillac, and Ladder Barrel.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
With regular Pilates workouts you can expect to:
•Improve strength, flexibility and balance
•Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk
•Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
•Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
•Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
•Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching
•Restore postural alignment
•Create a stronger, more flexible spine
•Promote recovery from strain or injury
•Increase joint range of motion
•Improve circulation
•Heighten neuromuscular coordination
•Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
•Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
•Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
•Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
•Improve the way your body looks and feels
Will I lose weight with Pilates?
Yes! In essence, Pilates make you better at everything else you do! Pilates is a great addition to your regular exercises regime. And with the Jumpboard on the Reformer, we can add cardio to any workout. In conjunction with a sensible diet and some cardio work such as brisk walking, bicycling, aerobics or swimming, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program. Pilates exercises help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles.
What kind of classes do we offer?
Group mat class: This is a great place for beginners to start, and a fun, social way to continue Pilates practice. Our classes have a manageable student-teacher ratio (max 8 students) so the instructor can monitor each individual’s form and progress. Mat classes are a refreshing mind‐body workout, which focuses on core stability and posture, aiming to lengthen and strengthen muscles. Pilates increases flexibility, agility, builds strength and is a safe yet challenging workout. Standing, seated and lying exercises are preformed.
Equipment: A great way to start or enhance your Pilates practice. Starting with a one-on-one training session is the most effective way to learn, practice and perfect your Pilates performance on the Reformer, Chair, Tower, Cadillac, and Barell. The instructor devotes undivided attention to your specific needs and individual assessment with guidance and monitoring to develop a custom program for optimum results.
What age group is Pilates for?
At The Total You, we teach Pilates to all ages: from children and teens, to adults and seniors. Pilates can be beneficial for virtually all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. The method is like a bridge between physical fitness and physical therapy, and can be adapted, modified and customized for individual needs. Some advanced moves and sequences seem to demand youthful energy yet others are manageable for even the frailest physique. It’s more about fitness condition than age. One’s chronological number doesn’t necessarily limit one’s movement capabilities.
What’s better, mat or equipment Pilates exercises?
It’s not a matter of one being better than another. The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a Pilates mat alone, and great results can be achieved through a level of moves. However, the various equipment pieces such as the Reformer and Cadillac incorporate light spring resistance that works like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles.
How does Pilates compare to Yoga?
In some ways, Pilates and Yoga are very similar. Both are considered mind body methods of movement and both emphasize deep breathing, and flowing movements. One major difference is that while Yoga generally involves moving from one static pose to another, Pilates flows through a series of movements with a different intent. Pilates also incorporates resistance equipment and props to help strengthen and lengthen muscles.
How do I get started on a Pilates exercise program?
You can call or email us to discuss what you are looking for, what your goals are, and any health limitations or injuries you might have. We can recommend what we think would work best for you: starting mat classes, getting on the reformer, or having a one on one to meet with the instructor.
Why do personal training sessions with a Pilates instructor tend to be on the higher scale of pricing?
Our Pilates instructors are highly trained professionals who have invested hundreds of hours studying the technique. They learn over 500 exercises for both the mat and Pilates equipment. They learn the philosophy and theory behind each movement, spend considerable time observing and mastering proper form and sequences, and apprentice to fine tune their teaching skills prior to taking a rigorous written and practical exam. They learn more than just a series of moves; they learn how to assess their students’ posture, how to adapt exercises for various body conditions, and how to customize an optimum Pilates program for each individual. With this kind of specialized training you get extreme worth out of every cent!
What should I look for in a Pilates instructor?
Ideally your Pilates instructor should be certified through a comprehensive Pilates training program, one comprised of lectures, observation, practice, hands-on apprenticing plus a written and practical examination. This level of training is especially important if you are going to be working out on any of the specialized Pilates equipment – some courses only cover mat exercises while others educate trainers in the full range of apparatus. Find out if your trainer is educated in handling clients with specific injuries or body conditions that might warrant a modified approach. A professional Pilates instructor should keep up with the latest developments in exercise science, choreography, small prop usage and more through continuing education workshops. Any background or teaching experience in other movement disciplines such as dance, aerobics or yoga is also a plus. A professional instructor should make good use of visual, verbal and tactile cueing to ensure students are exercising with proper form and technique. Whether you are working out in a group setting or one-on-one personal training, make sure your Pilates instructor is confident, knowledgeable, responsive and personable so you can have a safe and effective experience.