pilates exercise


How does Pilates exercise benefit you?. . . 

    Every day we hear from our students about how classes at Natural Bodies Pilates
    support healthy life-style and weight management plans with:

  • Better Metabolism
  • Restful sleep
  • Improved Digestion
  • Mental Focus
  • Relief from Stress
  • Supple Muscle Tone
"Dear Lucille, Before I forget....wanted to say how much I enjoy the quick paced classes with friends of all ages! My body feels so rejuvinated and "tight" after class but also the next day. My core is stronger and . . . I can see and feel the benefits daily. Thank you!!" — Paulette


People in the News practicing Pilates

  • Racecar driver Davy Jones practices Pilates saying

    • "... The combination of Pilates and SPIN is the perfect program to prepare me for racing." From K2Pilates' Website

  • Colts Middle Linebacker Gary Brackett

    • This two-time Super Bowl champion prepares mentally and physically incorporating Pilates into his workout regime to get that extra gear he needs to be the best he can be in one of the toughest and most physically challenging positions in football." from http://pilatesblog.com/

  • In Golf News

    • Pilates is catching on among professional golfers. Rich Beem did a lot of Pilates leading up to his win at the 2002 PGA Championship win over Tiger Woods. New York Times reports Tiger does it to. Rocco Mediate ditched the weights and does Pilates to preserve his back. From http://pilatesblog.com/

  • 2010 Winter Olympics

    • Gold medalist Hannah Kearney of the U.S. Ski Team and Canada’s silver Olympic medalist Jennifer Heil practice Pilates core exercises to train to be the best in the world. Heil talks about how she trained to win her 2006 Gold and 2010 Silver Olympic medals.. "I do a lot of Pilates. I love it." From http://pilatesblog.com/

  • Olympic Swimmer and Silver Medalist Dana Torres

    • "I spend two hours in the pool, five days a week, and I alternate weights one day with running and Pilates core training on the other two days. I also do resistive stretching three days a week. In swimming, speed comes directly from the core so Pilates helps immensely." From http://pilatesblog.com/


.

How will natural core strength make a difference?

  • Alignment and Posture:

    • Classes at Natural Bodies Pilates promote dynamic alignment of the whole body, which can be remarkably beautiful.

  • Strength:

    • Pilates exercise results in balanced strength for the entire body, promoting better alignment and ease of motion, and a healthy level of bone density.

  • Flexibility:

    • Pilates exercise is designed to restore flexibility around the spine and all of the joints, allowing for a greater range of motion with more stability.

  • Endurance:

    • Pilates exercise is practiced as a continuous sequence of movements which promote endurance and improved circulation of oxygen.

  • Weight Management

    • Regular practice of Pilates positively impacts effective weight management plans with reduced stress, better sleep, effective digestion, and increased muscle mass and metabolism

  • Stress Relief and Relaxation

    • An essential but often under emphasized principle of Pilates is Relaxation. Learning to release unnecessary tension in our bodies helps us to find ease and flow in movement and in the rest of our lives…

Many students experience:

  • Increased mental alertness and memory
  • Improved mood, digestion, and sleep
  • Increased ability to discover creative solutions to life's challenges.
  • Overall, an improved quality of life.

"Lucille is a skilled and motivating instructor. She works with you from the ground up as you develop your program." — C.C.


Have You Tried Pilates?

Today you can find Pilates DVD’s, balls, straps, gizmo’s — even the book Pilates for Dummies! You might think that those are an "easy way" to learn Pilates, but in fact they are not. Many people I talk to say they tried using a DVD and found it was too difficult, or were even injured. You can find flimsy Pilates "reformer" equipment sold on the home shopping channels, and unfortunately see television models demonstrating repetition after repetition of a select few exercises. The method of exercise is hawked as a way to shape certain parts of the anatomy, and they practically guarantee you’ll look just like the model on the screen if you buy their products.

In the real world, one simple feature is far superior to all the DVD’s, home systems, books, and gizmo’s: a certified Pilates instructor. A skilled instructor helps you to develop control, precision, and mindfulness. A skilled instructor can adapt the exercise for your current level of strength and flexibility, and when you have developed a level of mastery, will continue to challenge you.


What Is the Original Pilates Exercise?

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in the late 1800’s. His parents were physical and knowledgeable: his father was a boxer and his mother a naturopath. Joseph as a child was weak with asthma and rickets, and was bullied by the neighborhood boys. Through perseverance and study he developed his knowledge and practice of a healthful lifestyle, the result of which are the exercises we practice in the studio today. The results of his practice in his own body was proof to him that he had developed a valuable and enduring method of exercise for the body, mind, and spirit. Despite obstacles and skepticism of the public, he shared his knowledge with those who could feel the value of his exercises, and now Pilates is almost a household word.


What is a Mat Class?

The 55-Minute Mat class is a series of strength and flexibility exercises practiced on a mat - mostly lying or rolling on the back, side, or front of the body, with some standing exercise for balance and coordination. Sometimes we use stretch bands, light weights, or other portable equipment. Some of the exercises are similar to yoga or ballet stretches, and are more "movements" than "postures." In addition to strength and flexibility the exercise relieves stress, promotes whole body health, restores awareness, and results in a general sense of well-being.

"After a few months of classes, I have discovered a new relationship with my body and how I feel about it — and I like it!" — Carolyn Cooke

. . .  pilates is a way of exercising that makes every other enjoyable activity feel even better!

What is the Pilates Method Alliance?

The PMA promotes the evolution of Pilates by maintaining the highest standards of education and distribution of information across the industry. Membership to the PMA is open to any individual or business wishing to further their knowledge and professionalism or support within the Pilates method of exercise.

Anyone interested in the study and practice of Pilates, supports the objectives of the corporation, and is willing to contribute to the achievement of the organization's objectives is eligible to become an Individual Member of the PMA. Individual Membership Fee: $150 annually Pilates Method Alliance