What is Pilates?

The Pilates method is an exercise system of stretching and strengthening.  It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture and increases flexibility and balance.  Benefits of Pilates include greater mind and body awareness and core stabilization.  It will enhance all forms of activity, in life or in the gym including professional sports. 

Here are the main focuses in lessons:

Total Body Pilate's
The entire body will be worked through out each workout.  Workouts will be customized to fit individual needs. 

Control
Every week students will be practicing controlling their core through a variety of stability exercises.  This will build core strength, increase balance, and tighten the mid section.  By strengthening the core and midsection, lower back pain and vulnerability to injury will decrease.

Flexibility
Students will continually work toward becoming more flexible.  Lengthening and stretching also helps realign the body.  This helps increase athletic ability, decrease injuries and give the body a more streamlined shape. 

Concentration
Students will learn to better focus on their bodies to improve awareness of their own movements by connecting the mind and body.  This will help focus on specific areas, not only to improve posture and athletic ability but also to be able to apply the connection between Pilates and your daily activities.

Breathing
Through focusing on breathing during exercises, student will increase lung capacity helping maximize workouts and better learn to control breathing during both strength training and cardiovascular workouts.  Deep breathing also helps cleanse the blood stream through oxygenation, which helps achieve total fitness.

Precision
Using great form in Pilates will help students use great form in all other areas of life and fitness.

Center
The Powerhouse is the center of the body.  It is comprised of the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks.  Energy for Pilates exercises initiates from the center (powerhouse).  Students will be trained to use their center to move extremities.  Strengthening the center helps build a strong foundation for the rest of the body.

Isolation
Students will learn how to isolate specific areas of their bodies when working out.  This helps students become more aware of their movements enabling them to listen to their bodies better.  Being able to feel the effectiveness of the exercises helps create better results.

Routine
Students will incorporate all of the above principles into each routine to develop a well balanced mind and body.  Each safe and effective routine is custom created to fit varying needs and abilities.  Routines are developed to create a lean strong body.