Thursday, July 7, 2011

Healthy Spine

Did you know that 70% of the population over the age of 30 will lose up to 40% of the rotation in their spine due to inactivity. That is almost half the rotation in your spine and only after 30 years old.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

New Pilates info upcoming!

Stay tuned for some important Pilates information

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Pilates Q & A

Here are a few questions that I am asked by anyone wanting to learn more about Pilates.
KEEP FIT
PAUL

Q.) What is Pilates, "Puh-la-teez"?
Pilates is an educational exercise incorporating mind and body. This type of exercise relies on the mind to send information to the body. It is about quality movement. Pilates exercises incorporate the principals of concentration, control, centering, flowing movement, precision and breathing. When the mind is educated to move the body, we are better able to carry over these exercise principals into everyday activities. Exercise then becomes more efficient.
Q.) Who can do Pilates?
Pilates is for everyone. As with any new exercise regime, consult your physician before beginning. There is quite a bit of information to absorb at first. Look for an experienced teacher who can provide visual, verbal and tactile cueing. As one progresses to an intermediate level you will have a better understanding of the exercise order.
Q.) What can I expect from a basic level class?
The first thing you will learn doing the Pilates mat workout is about the position, alignment, and movement of every part of your body and how these parts are interrelated and important. Pilates is a process and a journey, one of the main goals being postural correction. Have fun, the hour spent doing Pilates will fly by and leave you feeling invigorated, taller, and with a "floating" feeling.
Q.) How is Pilates different from other exercises?
Pilates is a gentle and effective form of exercise that combines the mental awareness usually practiced in Eastern cultures with that of Western cultures. You will be taught to exercise with Control, Concentration, and focus. The majority of the exercises will utilize the whole body.
Q.) Is Pilates an effective weight loss method?
It is recommended that you do cardiovascular training such as walking, cycling, stair climbing etc. Pilates will help you with flexibility, improve postural alignment, improve circulation, lengthen and tone muscles, while strengthening your core. Cardiovascular activity before a Pilates mat class or private training sessions is highly effective and recommended. Weight training or resistance training is another great combination. Remember everything in moderation!
Q.) How does Pilates compare with Yoga?
There are many types of Yoga, but Pilates incorporates strengthening the core stomach and back muscles, increasing circulation, lengthening and toning muscles, focusing on neutral spine alignment, and improving joint mobility. Pilates has been referred to as the "moving yoga" exercise program.
Q.) How often can I do Pilates?
For maximum results start out two times a week and then possibly 3-4, each session should be at least 45-60 minutes.
Q.) When will I notice results?
This depends on how often you go and your lifestyle. Pilates alone will not change your body. Proper nutrition, consistent cardio workouts, weight training, and regular attendance of Pilates sessions will help change your body.