NewsLady Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 "Pilates has made my body smart. That's how it works. It makes you strong from the inside out and coordinates your systems to work so well together that your actual body becomes a thinking organism. Do Pilates. Get smarter." - Alycea Ungaro, author of About.com Pilates and Instructor mother image/Digital Vision/Getty Images 1. Pilates is Whole-Body Fitness Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not over-develop some parts of the body and neglect others. While Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints. Attention to core support and full-body fitness -- including the breath and the mind -- provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere. It is also the reason that Pilates is so popular in rehab scenarios, as well as with athletes who find that Pilates is a great foundation for any kind of movement they do. 2. Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs. 3. Creates Strength Without Bulk Long, lean muscles are the name of the game here. In Pilates, we are not looking to build muscles for show. We are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of the body as a whole, and the functional fitness needs of a person as they move through life. One of the ways that Pilates creates long, strong muscles is by taking advantage of a type of muscle contraction called an eccentric contraction. 4. Increases Flexibility In Pilates, we work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. You won't find quite as much "pretzel logic" in Pilates as you might in yoga, but a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a very realistic goal. 5. Develops Core Strength The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When the core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. This means the neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of the muscles and joints are freed to do their jobs -- and not more. A nice side benefit is that the core training promotes the flat abs that we all covet. 6. Improves Posture Good posture is a reflection good alignment supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Starting with Pilates movement fundamentals and moving through mat and equipment exercises, Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. You can see this in the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates. 7. Increases Energy It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have and the more you feel like doing (to a point, of course). Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body. 8. Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look; Pilates improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit. If you want to lose weight, the formula for weight loss remains the same: Burn more calories than you take in. As a full-body fitness method, Pilates will help you do that. Combined with aerobic activity, Pilates becomes a prime weight loss and body toning tool. 9. Increases Awareness - Body/Mind Connection Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates, or contrology as he called it, was about "the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is one of the secrets of Pilates exercise: we practice each movement with total attention. When we exercise in this way, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. The Pilates principles -- centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow -- are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind. Thus the overall reward of "Do Pilates and Get Smarter." As B.K.S. Iyengar, creator of Iyengar Yoga and Yoga Master said, to know about Yoga you have to do it. All the reading about Yoga, thinking about Yoga and hearing others speak, will not give you the true awareness of what Yoga is and what it is truly about. One must experience Yoga to know what Yoga is and the transformation it can create. The same can be said about Pilates. So...stop thinking about it and Come Do IT! Ongoing Classes at the Haven 4 weekday mornings weekly. Take a class anytime- The Sooner the Better!- to directly experience the many benefits of Pilates. Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 8:30- 9:45 a.m. 8:30- 9:45 a.m. 8:30- 9:45 a.m. 9:30- 10:45 a.m. Pilates on the Ball Stretching & Mat Pilates Pilates on the Ball Stretching & Mat Pilates on the Ball Classes begin with a 20- 30 minute cardio sequence sitting on and moving around a stability ball, building strength, stamina and warming up the body. This section is followed by mat and stretching techniques, using the weight of the body as its own resistance as we lie face- up or face-down, upon the stability ball. Sequences utilizing a resistance band or a small ball are also led and instructed, with precise attention to detail. Stretching and Mat Pilates is a full class of stretching and on the mat sequences, focusing on perfectly aligned posture and fluidity of movement. Total control, core strength, balance, concentration and body- awareness are continually cued, leading to the full integration of the body- mind, and a deeply- fulfilling, invigorating and harmonizing experience. Class fees: One class for residents- $8, and for tourists/guests- $10. Two class packages are also available- $30 for 4 classes to be taken within a month, or the Best Deal- $75 for unlimited classes in a month from the 1st class taken. * Private classes are also available. Especially recommended for those working with specific problems/ injuries or new to whole body exercise. All class materials provided. Have a yoga mat? Bring it to be guaranteed two mats for when we go down to the floor. *And do know- One need not be a member of the Haven to partake of classes or spa services. Questions? Contact Susan Clare, Certified Pilates Instructor, at suzeclare@gmail.com Hoping to see you Soon! And Happy Holidays! Have it be a Healthy New-Year! It's your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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