Pilates FAQs

What is Pilates
Pilates was developed about 80 years ago by Joseph Pilates, who studied eastern and western forms of conditioning, such as boxing, gymnastics, Zen, and Yoga. He combined the intensity and focus of the mind with calisthenics to develop what he called "Contrology." He believed the abdominals and lower back to be the powerhouse of the body. Every Pilates move involves the core and targets the deep abdominal muscles that traditional exercises neglect.

Does Pilates just work my Abs?
With Pilates you obtain a whole body work out. The abs are engaged during every move. Pilates is a series of controlled movements that engage your mind and body for a total body strength and flexibility workout. Pilates is also about precision, patience, self-control, and deep breathing. The exercises can teach you to really listen to your body and help you learn to control your movements for optimal effectiveness. Pilates will leave you refreshed and with a feeling of physical and mental well-being.

How does Pilates work my core muscles?
Core muscles lie deep within the torso. They generally attach to the spine, pelvis and muscles that support the scapula. When these muscles contract, they stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulders and create a solid base of support. They are then able to generate powerful movements of the extremities.  The core is the foundation for all other movement. The muscles of the torso stabilize the spine and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. If you have poor core function, you lack a solid base of support from which to generate power. Your core musculature allows you to transfer power from your arms through your middle to your legs, holding your torso stiff so you can provide maximum power from your quads.

What are benefits derived from Pilates?
Pilates is a great workout for the beginner as well as the athlete. Pilates can help you:

• Strengthen your total body while emphasizing your lower back and abdominal muscles
• Improve your flexibility, strength, posture, and muscular endurance
• Correct muscular imbalances
• Improve your range of motion
• Reduce tension and stress
• Prevent injury and facilitate rehabilitation
• Increase vitality and a profound sense of well-being

What type of Pilates exercises does the Whole Body Fitness Spa offer?
We have a complete selection of all the Pilates equipment available. All of our Pilates equipment is manufactured by STOTT. However we also offer group mat classes. These classes are great to take in preperation for more advanced training on the equipment. You will find many of the moves similar but the equipment offers resistance training that can help you gain greater strength and control. We do offer semi-private classes on the reformer and mat classes.

I am an athlete, how will Pilates help me?
Every athletic sport depends on strong core muscles. Popular sports such as baseball, skiing, golfing, biking, volleyball, football, hockey, skating, gymnastics, all require strength moves that use core muscles. Think of the simple movement of throwing a ball. The arm muscles are connected to core muscles. By using the core to power through the throw you will be able to achieve better performance and not tire out the arm muscles. The core is a huge part of the golf swing. Far more power comes through the core muscles than the arm muscles when swinging a golf club.