Origin"Study carefully. Do not sacrifice knowledge to speed in building your solid regime on the foundation of Contrology (Pilates)."
—Joseph Pilates, 1945
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method is a repertoire of exercises specifically designed to uniformly develop the body, mind and spirit. When working with a certified instructor, Pilates will help you gain strength, flexibility, suppleness, fluidity, coordination, balance, and most of all control over your body. The exercises are performed with the support of the breath, and control from your center, or core.
Pilates is not only what you see in videos, or what you may have tried at the local gym. There are over 600 documented exercises, and many pieces of studio equipment were created by Joseph Pilates to both support and challenge the body in countless positions. Pilates, when done properly, can help alleviate spinal problems and chronic joint pain by decompressing vertebrae and joints while building the strength and flexibility to support them. The Pilates Method is a highly sophisticated way of moving, and is recommended for people of all ages and abilities.
(For a more detailed description, click here.)
Who was Joesph Pilates?
Joseph Hubertus Pilates created his method of exercise, which he called "Contrology", at the beginning of the 20th century. As a child, Pilates was sickly, ailed with rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever. He dedicated his entire life to studying the human body, becoming strong and healthy, and helping others to do the same. During WWI, Pilates was sent to the Isle of Man in England where he took the opportunity to work with wounded and sickly military soldiers. Since some of the wounded soldiers could not move freely or get up out of their hospital beds, he fashioned springs and pulleys to the hospital beds creating the first reformers. After the war, Pilates went back to Germany and began working with the Hamburg Military Police in self defense and physical training. In 1926, Joseph Pilates arrived in New York City with his wife, Clara, and opened a private studio where he trained students until his death in 1967. Clara continued teaching until her death in 1977, and handed the method down to the original serious students of the Pilates Method. These "elders" have trained thousands of teachers today, and the method is being carried on and passed down from generation to generation all over the world.
(To learn more about Joseph Pilates, click here.)
Is Pilates right for me?
YES!! No matter if you have been practicing Pilates for years, or it is your very first time, Pilates is right for everybody! One of the greatest things that I have discovered through Pilates is that no matter what your current condition, you can do Pilates. If you have an injury, if you are in chronic pain due to a physical condition, if you have a stiff and tight body, if you have a flexible body, and even if you have tried Pilates in the past on a video or at the local gym, Pilates has something for you. I have worked with people from age 6 to 86, elite athletes, couch potatoes, people in chronic pain, men, women, children, dancers...you name it...and I have found ways of teaching Pilates so that it is accessible for all people.
Will Pilates help me with my low back pain?
Absolutely, positively....yes!! One of the fundamentals of the Pilates method is pelvic stability. You will begin your Pilates practice learning this and other fundamentals inside and out. You will begin to tap in to abdominal strength and stability that you never knew existed. We will work together to support your lower back through strength, flexibility, balance, and control. We keep open lines of communication, so if something doesn't feel right, we'll adjust to make it better. To learn more about the benefits of Pilates for lower back pain, please feel free to look at the "links" page.
How do I get started?
Call and schedule an appointment. I will happily talk to you and answer all your questions and find availability in my schedule to accommodate you. Starting with private lessons is the key to success. I will be working with you, getting to know your body's needs, and tailoring your Pilates practice to best suit you.
When will I see results?
People ask this question all the time. Consistency is the absolute key to success and the results you are looking for. In order to understand the Pilates method and get the results you are looking for, you need to make a commitment to it. When you leave your Private lesson, jot down some notes that you can practice on your own time. Think about your fundamentals when you are driving your car. Make a commitment to try to schedule appointments to support your goals. Now don't get me wrong, practicing once a week is better that nothing, but the more you put in the more you'll get out!
What do I wear?
Wear comfortable "work out" clothing. Nothing too big and baggy, or I will not be able to see your body moving, and nothing too constricting either. Women typically wear yoga type pants and a tank top or t-shirt, and men typically wear sweat pants or shorts and a t-shirt. We practice Pilates without shoes, and unless your feet are very cold, without socks. Wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in.
Is there any other etiquette I need to know?
Please remove your shoes at the door, and silence your cell phone. If you are expecting an important phone call, please let me know prior to your lesson. If you have to leave early for any reason, please let me know. Other than that, enjoy!
