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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Pilates?
  • Who was Joseph Pilates?
  • Where did Pilates start?
  • How does mindfulness play a role in Pilates?
  • What is STOTT Pilates?
  • Who is Pilates good for?
  • Are Pilates and yoga the same?
  • What is mat Pilates?
  • How is barre different from Pilates?
  • How many calories do you burn when doing Pilates?

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that concentrates on strengthening the body while emphasizing core strength. Pilates also focuses on posture, balance, and flexibility. It is low-impact and encourages correct form and mindful movement. It decreases the chances of injury.

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. Although not much is known about his early life, it is known that he was a sickly child who overcame his ailments and became quite athletic. He skied, boxed, and even worked as a circus performer.
During the First World War, he was interned. Here, he began to develop his technique of physical fitness. He utilized the bed springs from hospital beds to encourage patients to exercise their limbs and gain muscle control.

He and his wife Clara emigrated in the early 1920s to New York. They opened a conditioning gym and continued to develop his method of “Contrology.” He worked with boxers, dancers, and many others in need of rehabilitation work and exercise. His exercises became known as the Pilates Method after he passed.

Where did Pilates start?

During the latter part of World War One, Joseph was interned on the Isle of Man and worked as a hospital orderly. He attached bed springs to the limbs of patients who were unable to walk, and continued to help them gain back their physical fitness. The equipment he invented is still being used in most studios today.

How does mindfulness play a role in Pilates?

While practicing Pilates, it is helpful to turn off the distractions of the outside world and focus on the breath, the movement, and the feelings in the body. Being centered and fully present in our bodies helps to prevent injuries, increase focus, and bring about a sense of calm.

What is STOTT Pilates?

STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Lindsay G. Merrithew and Moira Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists and sports medicine professionals, spent three decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. The result of their hard work is the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science, fascial fitness, and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs.

Who is Pilates good for?

Pilates is good for anyone wanting to be healthier, whether they’re 18 or 85. Anyone can benefit from Pilates, no matter their gender or stage of life. Pilates is performed by rehab patients, post-rehab patients, prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities, and everyone in between.

Pilates exercises help both men and women of all ages develop optimal strength, flexibility, endurance, and posture, without building bulk or stressing joints. It is the perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training, or rehabilitation. Pilates can help you tone your body, feel revitalized, and move with ease.

Are Pilates and yoga the same?

No, they are not the same. Pilates and yoga have similar goals of core strength and flexibility. However, they are different in practice. The difference is yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, while Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic, and anatomically-based, often while incorporating resistance equipment.

What is mat Pilates?

Mat Pilates is a form of Pilates that is done on a floor mat. Sometimes, it requires small equipment. Because you’re simply exercising your body on a mat, it is a body weight strengthening activity. Body weight activities work well as a starting place for developing strength.

How is barre different from Pilates?

Barre is different from Pilates because it requires different equipment and is often choreographed to music. Barre requires a barre, free weights, bands, and other small equipment. Barre is also different because it is more repetitious and aerobic than mat Pilates.

How many calories do you burn when doing Pilates?

An hour of beginners level Pilates will allow a 150-pound person to burn approximately 175-250 calories.

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