Who started Pilates?

Pilates (“puh-LAH-tees”), was started by Joseph Pilates who was born in Germany in the year 1880. As a child, he suffered from Asthma, Rickets (underdevelopment in cartilage and new bone due to a vitamin D deficiency) and rheumatic fever. These ailments prompted him to constantly search for ways to improve his physique and endurance.

 

Pilates studied anatomy, Eastern and Western forms of exercise including Yoga, wrestling and acrobatics.  Exercise became a way of life and a means of managing his health. In 1926, Joseph Pilates made the voyage to New York City.  Along his way he met his wife Clara, a Nurse, and they opened the first Pilates studio next to a ballet school.  Joseph and Clara built a business with a strong reputation of relieving pain and increasing flexibility and strength to dancers and athletes alike.

 

Will it help me lose weight?

Please read the following carefully…several times. The key to losing weight is three fold. You must incorporate nutrition, cardiovascular activity and strength training…consistently. Pilates falls under the “strength training” category and will help firm up your muscles. Firm muscles= Loss of inches. Loss of inches = Smaller clothing size. If your goal is weight loss, Pilates is a wonderful addition to your overall health program…but it will not be your end- all -be- all. We will constantly be encouraging you to review and reflect on the habits that brought you to a place where you are no longer happy with your appearance and what active steps you are taking to make positive changes to reach your fitness and wellness goals.

 

How many times a week should I do Pilates?

Joseph said, ”within 10 sessions you will feel the difference in your body, with in 20 sessions you will see the difference in your body, within 30 sessions everybody else will see the difference.” If you are a beginner, the ideal pace would be to do Pilates two to three times a week to start. Again, consistency is vital to your success.

 

Can I get results by only doing Pilates once a week?

Yes, absolutely! Of course we will want to know what you were doing the rest of the week to contribute to your overall fitness goal to see if once a week was truly in your best interest. Once a week will provide you with a foundation of Pilates and will leave your mind and body feeling re-energized. Once a week is good for people who are interested in a hard core day of abs or having a super stretch once a week. Once a week will by no means recondition your body, but, it will improve your flexibility and your coordination over time.

 

Can I continue or start Pilates Pre/Post Pregnancy?

Yes…as long as prior to continuing or initiating any exercise program you have gained clearance from your medical practitioner.  This is a very important time to build strength and awareness in your body.  We work on pelvic floor musculature, awareness of developing postures due to your ever-changing body, body image and overall body strengthening to prepare you for carrying around your precious new baby.