Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body’s core muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting overall physical fitness. It was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and has gained popularity in recent years. Pilates involves a series of controlled movements that are designed to stretch and strengthen muscles while…
Reformer Pilates is a type of exercise that utilizes a machine called a Pilates reformer and TikTok is going mad over it. The reformer consists of a flat platform that slides back and forth on rails, with attached springs and straps that provide resistance and support during exercises. Reformers can be adjusted for different body…
Pilates is a popular fitness method that is known for its focus on improving core strength, flexibility, and overall body alignment. One of the most popular pieces of equipment used in Pilates is the Pilates Reformer, which is a versatile machine designed to enhance the Pilates experience. Using the Pilates Reformer machine and other Pilates…
Kourtney Kardashian did her Pilates in skintight pink pajamas on Sunday morning, showing off her impressive strength and technique on Instagram. The reality star, 43 – who recently took a very racy picture with her husband Travis Barker, 47 – posted a brief snippet of her hanging from a trapeze. Sculpting her body in a pair of Valentine’s-themed…
The word “visceral” is high praise when it comes to acting; it suggests the actor is doing work that is elemental and instinctual, and whose power and immediacy is undeniable. While it might be tempting to think that strong emotion is the key to achieving this, the reality is that great acting—and indeed visceral acting—is…
Pilates offers holistic treatments by helping heal your mind, body, and spirit. With so much to worry about, from broken doors and attending a friend’s party to completing the presentation and battling thoughts of buying your own house, you are exhausted by the end of the day. In such circumstances, the food loses its appeal,…
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people in the United States suffers from arthritis, or stiffness of one or more joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, or damage to a joint’s cartilage. Think of cartilage as a kind of shock absorber. When cartilage is damaged,…
1 / 17 Pilates for Beginners What sets Pilates apart is its focus on toning the muscles with springs, bands, or your own body weight. Alycea Ungaro, author of 15 Minute Everyday Pilates, shares her routine for beginners. Some moves are shown using Pilates studio equipment, but you can do most moves at home. Check with a doctor first…
Looking for a new exercise to tone and strengthen your core? To improve your posture and flexibility? A low-impact exercise you can do at home or in a class? Something to lessen back and neck pain after long hours at the computer? Have you considered Pilates? There are several Pilates studios in Ulster County, and…
After over two years of going to reformer pilates classes several times a week, I have become a total die-hard believer in the many benefits of pilates. And, this is coming from a person who had never stepped foot in a pilates studio before this and often said things like, “Yoga is boring.” #sorry Fact…
It’s much more than the oversimplified marketing that promotes a “long and lean” figure, and more than the misconception that it’s primarily for women. Pilates is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability, or current fitness level. The Pilates repertoire, which includes mat and specialized equipment exercises, is made up of over 600…
Swapping outthe butter or other artery-clogging fats in your diet for heart-healthy olive oil may add years to your life, researchers say. Folks who consume more than 1/2 a tablespoon of olive oil a day are less likely to die from heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or lung disease when compared to people who consume less of this healthy fat,…
As people get older, it’s common to see an increase of belly fat collect along the waistline. This is usually because muscle mass decreases with age as fat increases. Belly fat can make you feel self-conscious or can cause difficulty fitting into your favorite pair of pants. However, there are also some health risks associated with excess…
Objective: The aim of this work was to analyze muscle strength in Pilates novices who used the Reformer equipment during twelve training sessions. Methods: Twenty-four healthy young female volunteers, who were non-smokers and did not exercise regularly, were split into a control group (mean age 28 ± 4 years and BMI 24.55 ± 3.21 kg/m2) and a…
Chances are, you’ve heard of Pilates. The popular low-impact workout is comprised of a series of core exercises that helps flatten and tone your mid-section, as well as stabilize and support your spine and back. Pilates mat classes are offered in mainstream gyms across America. But a different kind of Pilates — Pilates exercises performed on a…
Unlike a gym workout, it doesn’t require a ton of home gym equipment and the bounty of free Pilates workouts online is increasing rapidly. Not to mention the benefits of strengthening and lengthening your muscles with low-impact resistance training like Pilates – a real godsend for those with finicky joints. Not sure where to start? Well, reader, you’re in the…
If your fitness routine has been feeling a little stale, trying a new kind of class can make it feel fresh again. Taking a Pilates class might be a good way to expand your fitness horizons, whether we’re talking about a class done on the mat or on a reformer. Pilates is very versatile—while you certainly can do…
The Pilates Cadillac reformer is a big piece of gym equipment with a lot of accessories and attachments. To a beginner, it may seem intimidating and difficult to use. But with practice and guidance from a good instructor, a Cadillac provides an excellent, versatile workout for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. What is a Pilates…
Has the COVID-19 pandemic put you in a workout slump? If your fitness habits aren’t what they used to be, rest assured — you’re in good company. A growing body of evidence shows that the pandemic has profoundly changed how much people exercise, not only in the United States but around the world. In a study published in November…
Lack of Sleep Not getting enough sleep can make you more likely to catch viruses or germs. And you also may take longer to get better. That’s because your body can’t make as many infection-fighting cells and proteins called antibodies that help defend against illness. Your body releases certain proteins that help the immune system,…
Heart Problems These can spike your heart and breathing rates the same way anxiety does. Panic attacks and heart attacks in particular have similar — and sometimes identical — symptoms. Both can cause dizziness, chest pain, and trouble breathing. They can also trigger sweating, nausea, and a feeling of fear. It can be hard to…
Pilates may sound intimidating, but it’s an accessible way to build strength in your core muscles for better posture, balance and flexibility. Pilates isn’t just for fitness fanatics. It’s actually an accessible way to build strength in your core muscles for better posture, balance and flexibility. If you’re considering a Pilates class for beginners, here’s…
Let’s face it: A 50- or 60-year-old body isn’t the same as a 20-year-old one. You won’t be able to do the same things — nor should you. But exercise is key to your independence and a good quality of life as you age. So what do you need to think about to be healthy…
What Are Body-Weight Exercises? They’re exercises that use your body’s weight as resistance. They usually target many muscles and help build stability and strength. You don’t need any machines or weights, so you can do them just about anywhere. You can also tailor these exercises to your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or an…
The word “tactile” is defined as experiences or sensations received or felt by touch. In my opinion, using tactile cueing is one of the most powerful teaching tools in Pilates. When I am practicing Pilates, a tactile cue always help me understand where my body is in space, and the touch from the teacher helps…
The balanced body pilates chair is a compact workout system that allows you to grow a stronger body with this incredible fitness tool. The chair is easy to move and store and is as effective as the pilates reformer platform. There are a host of challenging exercises that you can perform using the balanced body…
Contrology or Pilates is a method of physical conditioning that works the strength of the core and seeks the uniform muscular development of the whole body. With this method, you acquire total control over the body and in a progressive way. Its creator was Joseph Humbertus Pilates who not only created the Method but most…
The Wunda Chair is an apparatus designed by Joseph Pilates, the man behind the exercise system that bears his name and the inventor of the famous Pilates Reformer. Resembling a backless chair, the Wunda Chair consists of a wooden base topped by a padded seat that doubles as the world’s smallest exercise Mat. Beneath the seat,…
While Covid was terrible for most Pilates studio owners and gym owners, some independent instructors teaching from home over platforms like Zoom had a different experience. Now that they no longer split their fees with a studio owner or gym, they may have actually seen their hourly rate go up. Now, as we move back…
For the numerous individuals who are searching for a way they can work out, get thinner and control their back issues, there is one straightforward program that has been known to advance these outcomes. By utilizing the best Pilates machine, individuals have had the option to accomplish the outcomes they need with this activity. This…
Pilates is becoming an extensively acknowledged type of workout that can help enhance your basic wellbeing in addition to correct many position troubles which cause aches and also discomforts. The exercise regime was designed by Joseph Pilates after a lifetime of examining how to improve well-being by improving core strength and also pose. Your core…
The Pilates machine can help in improvement as well as maintenance of the complete physical fitness and leads to improve strength, flexibility as well as balance. This in turn can improve movement, posture as well as mental strength. If someone to looking to improve their complete fitness then they should choose the Pilates equipment. Below are the…
The Pilates chair is a multipurpose apparatus that balances in a different way than other apparatus. The unique design of the chair enables everyone in getting amazing results. Do you have an understanding of the benefits of the Pilates chair? Let us understand it. Below are some perks of getting a pilates chair for sale. Strength-…
Abstract The objective of this study was to explore the effects of 8-weeks modern pilates mat and ball exercise program on body mass, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio on sedentary obese women total of 58 health sedentary obese women volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided randomly into 1 of 2…
Working out is one of my favorite things to do. When I train, my muscles start to burn after a few sets. This is normal. It’s caused by lactic acid buildup. As my body uses energy, lactic acid develops in my muscles. If it can’t be removed, the burn can be intense. This causes me…
Far from just an eighties throwback, and despite its notoriously demanding nature, Pilates Reformer (or Reformer Pilates – same thing) has made a comeback. Though things settled for a few decades, letting the spandex memories fade, an influx of chi-chi, minimalist studios and some high-rate celebrity backing, from the likes of Elle Macpherson, Beyoncé, Emma…
The Pilates Ped-o-Pull is one of the classic machines that you probably haven’t heard much about, it is designed by Joseph H. Pilates. It was created to help an opera singer student (Elaine Malbin), to breathe correctly and efficiently with the aim of greater efficiency in singing. Working on this equipment allows correcting posture and…
Are you a Pilates enthusiast looking to cut down on the cost of regular classes? Putting together your own home setup is the solution! Of course, to benefit from a home studio, you’ll need to invest in a few reliable workout tools and a great Pilates reformer. With all the workout equipment you need at…
Our friends at Maire Claire have reviewed a number of Pilates machines, leaving our Pilates Reformer with Tower Vintage and Pilates Reformer Vintage among the best machines on the market to buy right now. About the Reformer with Tower they wrote: This sleek, wood-framed machine might blend into your mid-century modern aesthetic than other machines.…
Women’s Health Magazine has included our Pilates Reformer with Tower and Pilates Cadillac Reformer Vintage on their list of The 10 Best Pilates Machines To Buy Right Now. Within their impressions they say: There are plenty of Pilates videos to stream for free online right now. But if you’re missing the feel of pushing off…
Pilates Day is your opportunity to share how the practice you love can improve the health and quality of life of those in your community! Consider these ideas to celebrate Pilates Day on May 1: Collaborate with a Local Business Owner Collabs are a great way to boost the visibility of your Pilates business. Consider…
As soon as we start teaching, groups, in particular, we realize that there is a side to this profession that is rather nerve-wracking. Day in, day out we walk into a large room filled with people who are all looking back at us expectantly. We feel the pressure to deliver something amazing and begin to…
Source: https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-night-lose-weight
By definition, Pilates is a system of repetitive exercises performed on a mat or other equipment to promote strength, stability, and flexibility. Pilates exercises develop the body through muscular effort that stems from the core. The technique cultivates awareness of the body to support everyday movements that are efficient and graceful. As such, Pilates has been…
Pilates is wonderful for every body of every age. Seniors, in particular, can really benefit from a Pilates practice. Balance, strength, flexibility, focus, and your breath are all areas you may notice have changed with age. Pilates at its core works on improving all of those things. Pilates is one of the best ways to…
One is a holistic discipline originating from ancient India, the other a specific physical system devised by a German anatomist in the early 20th century, but there’s much cross-over – and therein lies confusion – between yoga and Pilates. As practices today, yoga and Pilates are both celebrated for their numerous health benefits, from offering…
What Is It? Also called “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is the progressive breakdown of the joints’ natural shock absorbers. This can cause discomfort when you use the affected joints — perhaps an ache when you bend at the hips or knees, or sore fingers when you type. Most people…
Is Pilates a good exercise if you have osteoarthritis pain? Exercise is recommended when you have osteoarthritis, but you want to look for exercises that have a lower impact and won’t stress joints that are painful. Pilates can be a good choice. What Is Pilates? The Pilates exercise system is named after its creator, Joseph Pilates.…
Pilates are a great exercise choice for increasing lean muscle tissue, toning your body, and increasing flexibility and stability. There are two different types of Pilates exercises. The two different types of Pilates workouts are mat Pilates and equipment Pilates. Although the style and equipment used varies between both types of Pilates, both will provide…
Learn more about the Pilates Method Alliance’s programs for schools in each section below. Pilates School Approval Program (PSAP) The purpose of the Pilates School Approval Program (PSAP) is to provide a systematic approach by which Pilates schools can demonstrate their compliance with accepted standards, pursue continuous improvement, and be recognized for doing so. To…
The first time you take any new fitness class can be a little intimidating. But for some reason, Pilates classes have an extra air of “avoid this if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Maybe it’s the reformer, with its straps and springs. Maybe it’s the exercise names that you’ve never heard before. (What’s this “Pilates Hundred”…
If you think the only debt you can get into is with your credit cards, think again. When you’re sleep deprived, you experience something called “sleep debt.” “This refers to the condition where we don’t get as much sleep as we need over a period of time, and the physical need for sleep increases to…
We may not think much about balance and stability, but those elements are very important for everything we do, from daily chores to exercise. Each joint is made up of ligaments and tendons, connected to all the muscles that work to keep your body upright and in the proper position. The more you can strengthen that…
Margarine and Frosting These foods, along with many packaged snack foods, are high in trans fats. You may know that trans fats aren’t good for your heart and blood vessels. Research has found that they may also wreak havoc on brain function. A study from the journal Neurology found that older adults who had the…
A Pilates spine corrector is a valuable piece of Pilates equipment for your home or studio, especially if you’re tired of dealing with a sore, achy back. Some are designed to be used as free-standing units, while others pair nicely with a Pilates reformer to give you a rewarding workout. Heavy has made an excellent…
I know Pilates isn’t for everyone, but let’s be honest: What other workout makes you want to cry without weights, resistance bands, or makeshift wine weights? The answer is NO OTHER WORKOUT. Also worth noting: They’re free99 (TY, YouTube!) and will leave you feeling strong, bendy, and Kate Middleton-level poised. Assuming you already got your…
Flu season has arrived, and you may have seen signs urging everyone to get a flu shot. So what is the flu shot, exactly? The flu shot is a vaccination that helps your body make the necessary antibodies it needs to fight off the influenza virus if you happen to get infected by it. Most…
There are many disciplines of movement which make you feel good inside and out. Each one chooses the one that suits them the best, or the one that makes them feel better. The important thing is to move. Currently we spend much of our time sitting: we eat, we drive, we work, we even go…
Many of us have transitioned to teaching our clients virtually. Luckily, we are living in a time when we can still work with them and share all of the benefits of Pilates at a distance. Having said that, it is likely that you are teaching more on the mat than on equipment, as most of…
Pilates are a great exercise choice for increasing lean muscle tissue, toning your body, and increasing flexibility and stability. There are two different types of Pilates exercises. The two different types of Pilates workouts are mat Pilates and equipment Pilates. Although the style and equipment used varies between both types of Pilates, both will provide…
As we look cautiously to the future, many Pilates professionals have questions about when and how they can begin caring for their clients again. The Pilates Method Alliance has been actively monitoring the federal and state agencies as they consider reopening strategies. We aim to provide information, understanding that policies will vary greatly from state-to-state. When your…
The Pilates principles can be applied to all aspects of life, but I especially love applying them to other fitness modalities. As founder and creator of my own method called Barre Variations, I’m heavily influenced by my years of teaching Pilates. Barre can feel intimidating, fast paced or even overwhelming. However, approaching the movement with…
During 24 days in February and March, 112 people were infected with the Covid-19 virus in South Korea after participating in or associating with participants in Zumba classes, according to a sobering new epidemiological study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study, which traces the start of the illness cluster back to a one-day instructor workshop…
The increasing popularity of Pilates is a wonderful thing, but like the game Telephone where the meaning of a phrase gets distorted as it is passed along, as word spreads about Pilates, so have some ideas about it that aren’t serving anybody. Here a few of the myths about pilates that can send pilates folks…
Wouldn’t it be nice to predict the future and know how this story ends? I admit, it is easy to get caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19 and lose your ability to think clearly and plan proactively for the short and long term for your business. However, now is the best time to…
In the name of both surviving and thriving, we have rounded up some key things to think through for your business during COVID-19. Secure your capitalIn these trying and unpredictable times, you may be wondering how your Pilates business can weather the storm, and for how long that may be. One option is to secure…
So far, Pilates has had quite a ride in the fitness industry, but it hasn’t been without bumps. As programming gets ever more creative, Pilates advocates have raised questions of safety, adequacy of training and method authenticity—and some experts ask whether Pilates and fitness really belong together, after all. Two Worlds Collide “In the ’80s,…
This spring, CNBC reported that Pilates is the nation’s fastest-growing activity, with 8.6 million participants, up more than 450% since 2000, based on the most recent report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. In reality, participation may have peaked mid-decade (American Sports Data Inc. reported 10.5 million participants in 2004), but clearly Pilates has staying…
Everything you need to know about the Pilates reformer machine — plus how to take some of the popular exercises out of class and onto a mat a home. Chances are, you’ve heard of Pilates. The popular low-impact workout is comprised of a series of core exercises that helps flatten and tone your mid-section, as…
During 24 days in February and March, 112 people were infected with the Covid-19 virus in South Korea after participating in or associating with participants in Zumba classes, according to a sobering new epidemiological study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study, which traces the start of the illness cluster back to a one-day instructor workshop…
No doubt about it, nursing is an extremely demanding profession. Not only is it mentally demanding, but physically demanding as well. After a stressful 12-hour shift working out is the last thing a nurse may want to do because their body aches from a hard days’ work. Keeping healthy by working out is something all…
The word proprioception derives from its roots “own-”, which means of oneself; and “-ception”, which means consciousness. That is to say, the awareness of one’s own: the awareness of one’s own body posture with the environment that surrounds us. Proprioception is the ability that we have through our musculoskeletal system to know what position we…
Given that most of us are currently self-isolating or socially distancing because of Covid-19, we may well have experienced feeling anxious, lonely, obsessive or depressed at some point in the last few months. Many of us have strategies in place to manage these psychologically difficult times. But not everyone has the informed knowledge and awareness…
Pilates has long been recognized as one of the best movement systems for improving core strength and stability, but it’s also one of the most effective methods for toning and sculpting the abs, hips, waist, and thighs. With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to incorporate reformer Pilates into your routine because…
Do you enjoy working out but don’t want to pay for an expensive gym membership? With a little creativity, the right equipment, and some extra space, you can create the perfect gym right in your home! Whether you have an unused attic or a small shed outside, our home gym layout tips and organization hacks…
The shelter at home orders have been in place for some time. We have more or less managed to adjust to the new normal, although it can still be quite challenging at times. One of the main reasons why self-isolation is difficult to get used to is the lack of physical activity. Whether you are…
Exercise is deemed as one of the best solutions when it comes to maintaining good health. It speeds up the brain, strengthens the muscles and generates happy hormones (endorphins) in the body, which helps overcome almost all illnesses. Pilates is one form of exercise that has been part of the fitness world for a long…
Feeling stressed? Thinking about attending Pilates reformer classes, but unsure if they will help? Too many of us live stressful lives. It is hard to get time to focus on oneself, to switch off from the constant availability that the Internet demands, and to just ‘be’. Attending regular Pilates reformer classes could help you to…
When you are looking for something more than just a workout, then Pilates is certainly the right option that gives you inner serenity and relaxes your mind. The controlled moments, fitness and health rewards together define Pilates well. To beat the stress and chaos in the modern world, you might need a personal state of…
COVID-19 is unlike anything we have experienced before. It has impacted individuals and businesses all over the world. While this pandemic and its effects on the global marketplace have been an unexpected shock, you can control how your Pilates business reacts in this time of crisis. Focusing on reducing costs, controlling your spending, and optimizing…
The abrupt shut down of many cities around the world due to COVID -19 has created shockwaves felt by Pilates teachers everywhere. Many studios have been forced to close their doors and pivot, implementing immediate changes to their business models in order to survive the crisis. In fact, lots of studio owners are still developing…
Since Joseph Pilates created Pilates, people have been transformed by this popular system of exercise that strengthens the body’s core and aligns the spine. The popularity of Pilates is due to the fact that it can be modified to suit any needs and ability levels, which makes it an excellent choice for people of all…
As a business owner who offers both Pilates and yoga at my studio, I run into this question on a regular basis. My answer can be detailed or basic, depending on my audience. Here are some comparison points about the two disciplines based on my personal experience with both. For the purposes of this discussion,…
Avoid Corona Virus – Pilates apparatus disinfectants recommended There are growing health risks in sharing a matwithout disinfecting it – any kind of exercise mat. Even your own unshared Pilates or yoga mat poses risks if you don’t clean it after each use. Let’s look at the most effective and healthy options for cleaning your…
Any time you sign up for a new fitness class, actually going can be somewhat intimidating. However, with Pilates classes, there seems to be an extra word of caution if you don’t know what you are doing. While this is true, there’s no reason to wait to sign up for this type of exercise class.…
Pilates Exercises Equipment’s for Fitness Think fitness think Pilates! Get a change in your fitness routine by moving from mat to apparatus. You must have been listening a lot about Pilates lately. Well, Pilates can be referred to as an exercise that involves controlled movements that focuses on strengthening your entire body, in particular, your…
These days, it seems like every sleek and lean physique can be accredited to Pilates. In nearly every celebrity interview, when asked how she stays toned and strong, the model or actress inevitably admits that she eats a healthy diet and practices Pilates. However, what exactly is Pilates and what makes it such a fantastic…
Thanks to the likes of Andy Murray and Serena Williams, the benefits of Pilates for tennis players are now well-known. Committing to regular Pilates sessions helps Williams, Murray and many other players with their post-match recovery and with injury prevention. According to reports, taking up Pilates has even improved Murray’s mindset both on and off…
“Pilates is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control over your body.” -Joseph Pilates Mindful. Mind full. One space different, but complete opposites. When your mind is full—of what you have to do tonight, of what bills you need to pay, of what you’re going to fix for dinner, of what your…
The answer is always the same NO! (But you should get yourself medically checked by a doctor if you haven’t done anything for a while) The advantage of Pilates is that it can be made as hard or as easy as you like. Pilates can be done lying, standing and seated. So if you can…
Forbes magazine has included our Pilates Ladder Barrer as one of the best pilates equipment for home for 2019, which makes us proud as a company and as pilates lovers carrying a product that covers all the needs for each Pilates practitioner. About our Pilates Ladder Barrel, Forbes says: Some of my best stretches and…
With the New Year we also get the opportunity to see some new faces. Pilates is no longer an elite exercise program only for dancers and the very rich. It is recognized by personal trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors as an extremely effective form of exercise for people of all fitness levels. To help new-comers…
These days, it seems like every sleek and lean physique can be accredited to Pilates. In nearly every celebrity interview, when asked how she stays toned and strong, the model or actress inevitably admits that she eats a healthy diet and practices Pilates. However, what exactly is Pilates and what makes it such a fantastic…
1- Avoid Injury There is no doubt that our body gets tighter in winter. This happens for a couple of reasons. One, we are busy trying to stay warn and this can create tension on the muscles, causing tightness. We also tend to not drink enough water in winter, this also contributes to tightness of…
Golf typically doesn’t find itself associated with the physical pounding and taxing of the body as other sports such as basketball, football, or hockey. Nevertheless, one might be quite astonished to uncover the amount of strain that the physique of a golfer truly endures. At each turn of a drive and with each bend of…
According to a recent survey, Pilates continues to be a popular fitness activity in the United States: 9.5 million people participated in Pilates in 2017 (Lock, 2019). Since its humble beginnings in Joseph Pilates’s exercise studio in New York in the 1920s, Pilates has now multiplied into numerous modified workouts offered in various fitness venues…
From slouching over to staying up late to routinely bending their necks and heads to stare at their electronics while texting their friends…it’s no wonder teenagers get a bad rap for their posture. There is something, however, that not only can help postural imperfections, but boost their self-confidence, too. “Because of the technological culture in…
Everybody talks about it. We can all agree that we should all be getting more exercise in during the week, every week. But how do we motivate ourselves to actually do so?
The cold season is traditionally the hardest season for getting active – too rugged up, too cold, too hard… and is the most likely season we will succumb to colds and flu.
Transverse Lunge Targets: Transverse abdominals, glutes, quads, and hamstrings Start in a low lunge with right leg forward and left leg back. Place fingertips on the floor, draw navel in, and lift abdomen off of right quad so you can feel abdominals contract. Maintain this contraction while lightly tapping the toes of left (back) foot…
Relief Stress Tension in your body Pilates makes you feel energized. If you enjoy your workout and stay focused you will feel happy and calm at the end of day.
Pilates stresses power, control, and flexibility in every exercise, three things that are important when playing tennis.
We know that Pilates is great for everyone! And that definitely applies to anyone with Osteoarthritis.Sometimes because our joints are stiff and sore, we just want to stay still and go into protective mode. But if you think about it, that’s not logical. Everything locking up, losing mobility and strength. After all, you have to…
During my first year at the University of Miami’s Physical Therapy program, we were offered the chance to participate in an elective to learn about Pilates and how it could be applied in the physical rehabilation world. I will admit that at first I was skeptical. A few of the thoughts going through my mind…
There are many benefits when it comes to exercising, including better sleep. It has long been known that long-term insomniacs are helped by exercise, due to a number of reasons. One of the most obvious is because when your body is properly tired after a workout, it is easier to fall asleep. Additionally, exercise has…
People who dance are easy to spot, even offstage. “They’re very aware of their body’s position in space, and they move almost like cats,” says Marie-Louise Bird, a Pilates researcher and post-doctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia. “But most of us are more like puppy dogs, moving without much attention paid to…
Guy Leech is a former World Champion Ironman, so it’s fair to say he knows a descent amount about the science of human conditioning (oh… he also won Australian Celebrity Survivor in 2006 for those trivia buffs at home). Since retiring from the sport, his body is miraculously functioning better than ever. Leech credits his…
Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on the postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and the spine in healthy alignment. It is a form of exercise that creates bodily awareness, meaning that it makes it easier for you to be aware of the movement of your entire body. Pilates is a good…
Depression and anxiety affects nearly 19 million adults each year, yet this common disease is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. You’ve probably heard about some emotional symptoms of depression, but did you know that people with depression live with chronic pain and other physical symptoms? 15 years ago I was diagnosed with depression and I noticed that…
What are the best gut healing foods? What should you be eating if you want to improve your gut health? What foods should you avoid for a healthy gut diet? You need answers so you can heal your gut, stay regular and achieve your best health. What’s The Best Gut Health Diet? What you eat determines…
Meghan Markle is refreshingly honest about the efforts she puts into exercise, bucking the trend for A-listers who suggest it’s all about genetics – although they certainly help. Markle’s mother is a yoga instructor so she started the discipline herself as a child and has continued it ever since. “That practice is in my blood,”…
The Pilates Method is not only developed on the mat, but there is a large number of equipment designed to help us in the execution of this system. Joseph Humbertus Pilates, son of a gymnast of Greek descent and his mother, a naturopath of German descent, was the creator of one of the most effective…
Pilates can be considered ¨The art and science of the coordinated development of body, mind and spirit hrough a series of natural movements carried out under the strict control of the will¨ J.H. Pilates The Pilates Method, originally called ‘Contrology’ by its creator Joseph Humbertus Pilates, is a system of movements made with control and precision in a…
The amount of sleep an athlete gets impacts their reaction time, attention and focus, physical recovery and injury proneness. The body restores itself during sleep, so it is necessary for recovery from intense training. A person who is sufficiently well-rested will not waste any resources on staying awake or straining to stay focused and alert.…
You’d probably recognize the Pilates reformer even if you’ve never used one. It’s a hulking machine that consists of a sliding carriage rigged with springs, bars and straps. On this apparatus, you lie, kneel, stand and sit to create a balanced body and strong core — or “powerhouse,” as creator Joseph Pilates called it. The…
“Pull in the abs!” A little phrase that might be called a Pilates chant, yet it is so misunderstood. Pulling the abdominals in is fundamental to the Pilates method of exercise. It is a technique that is promoted in physical therapy settings, in strength training, and to some degree throughout the fitness world as a…
If you have found yourself reading this, it is because you are interested in your personal well-being and longevity, or the health of someone close to you. Congratulations on taking this step to learning more about antioxidants and their incredible benefits. Why Antioxidants? Let’s firstly begin with why we need antioxidants. Each day our body…
Many cyclists’ main performance concern is optimising their power-to-weight ratio, increasing their VO2 max or developing explosive speed. But what about an activity that develops core strength, stability and motion control? Could pilates be a worthwhile addition to your training? Pilates was developed by German gymnast Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as a…
You don’t get shoulders like Sandra’s by eating bon bons all day. The actress told InStyle that whenever she’s in LA, she makes a point to take Pilates classes. She also relied on the workout when she wanted to get in shape for her roles; the idea was to look strong, but also keep a…
Whether you have already started your summer workout or are just thinking about joining us with our amazing Pilates Equipment, we wanted to go back to basics this week and remember why Pilates is so good for you and how it can help you achieve your summer goals. Why Pilates is great: Tone up –…
In an interview with InStyle magazine, Jennifer told them that she likes to incorporate Pilates into her workout regimen. Pilates can be a great way to build strength in your core, improve your flexibility, and more. She said: “I’m a Pilates person. It’s great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back, a…
Pilates is more than just an exercise regime it can be life changing. It’s most certainly not just for the rich and famous, the uber fit or the 20-something health nut – it can work for everyone. The very fact that more than 100-years-ago its founder Joseph Pilates used it to build up the strength…
Experts say that Pilates is perfect for older adults because it has a lesser impact on the body, unlike other forms of exercise, which build bulky muscles that tend to be prone to injury. Pilates focuses on building core muscles, including the back, hips, arms, legs, and abdominals. In fact, it is a gentle way…
International Pilates Day is a world-wide celebration of the Pilates Method developed by Joseph Pilates aiming to increase awareness of the method. Pilates is a whole body health exercise system strongly focussing on breath and gentle movements to promote the correct alignment of the body. How to celebrate Pilates Day Invite a friend to Pilates…
1: You Will Sweat Ok so this may not be applicable if you go to a very rehab based and slow mat class but for the vast majority of Pilates classes done at a higher intensity you will absolutely sweat during the class. This surprises a lot of people when they first come to class.…
Pilates may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of alleviating back pain, but you can use pilates exercises to relieve lower back pain. It is critical to a back pain patient’s well-being to understand the necessity of neutral alignment of the spine and the need to strengthen the postural…
Weather is changing, everything around us is trying to adjust according to the temperature, and so do our bodies. Whenever the weather changes, it affects the immunity of our bodies and makes them prone to infections and diseases. As now the weather is taking a turn, so does comes a beautiful phase of a pleasant…
You’ve done the work, but in order to maintain that flexibility, strength, and stamina that you’ve built through your Pilates regime, be sure to eat (and drink!) accordingly. Although Pilates has been around since the early twentieth century, it’s only growing in popularity. With so many new studios on the rise, while you get in…
Learning how to get the most out of your pilates practise means learning how to avoid the most common pilates mistakes. NOT BREATHING CORRECTLY The majority of Pilates exercises are intended to flow and coincide with your breath. The movements of the spine and sequence of the exercises are worked around this concept. This is…
Pilates begins the ‘healing’ process by building a solid foundation to work from, strengthening the body from the inside out. Beginning with the stabilization of the pelvis. If our foundation is solid then the fun and true work of Pilates can begin – to safely work the whole body. Why is Pilates good for menopause?…
Nutritionists often recommend including green vegetables as part of a healthy diet, but which ones to choose? In honour of March being Nutrition Month, and St. Patrick’s Day, we picked our five favourite green foods that help keep our bodies healthy in a number of important ways. ASPARAGUS AND BRAIN HEALTH Despite its bad rap…
Dedicated training is something to be admired. Many athletes strive for the ability to get up and get out every single day whether it’s for a specific race or event or even, simply driven by a goal. Often that can mean adhering to a training plan based on both repetition and incrementally increased difficulty–monotony and…
If you’re looking for an ingredient that can soften strands, help repair damage, nourish, and more, look no further than avocado. We reveal how the superfood can benefit hair, below. Moisture retention One plus to eating and incorporating avocado into your beauty routine is its ability to help the hair retain moisture. The superfood features…
Although the Pilates method uses all types of muscle contractions (concentric, eccentric and isometric) there is a strong emphasis is on the eccentric contraction. An eccentric contraction is the “release” part of a movement, like when you lower a weight to its starting position. So in other words, the eccentric part of the exercise is…
As the days draw in and temperatures drop, you may be tempted to hang up your exercise gear and hibernate. Don’t! Stay active throughout autumn and winter to beat those seasonal blues and feel on top of the world. More energy Regular exercise will make you feel more energetic, which should make it a little…
Modern moms-to-be everywhere are taking a well-rounded approach to health and fitness during pregnancy. By adding prenatal Pilates to the typical birthing class regimen, new parents are finding delivery and recovery to be a much easier process. The right exercise during pregnancy can be just as valuable to the body as taking prenatal vitamins! The…
Designed to build muscle strength, flexibility and endurance, Pilates is an exercise method in which you need little more than your body and a mat. Kids of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from Pilates. While many fitness facilities offer Pilates classes, most Pilates exercises are simple enough to do at home if a…
We already know Meghan is a big fan of running and doing yoga to stay fit, but it looks like there’s another major component to her workout routine that we didn’t know about until now: Megaformer studio classes. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the royal family member divulged some juicy details on why…
Yes, that’s right! Pilates is not an exercise exclusive to women. In fact, more and more men have discovered the health benefits of this discipline. That’s why a growing number of professional male athletes use Pilates to ensure a long and injury free sports career. And so did the former England star. He was introduced…
Compared with traditional cardiac rehabilitation, Pilates exercises significantly improved functional capacity in patients with heart failure (HF) and may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment, study results suggest. HF patients who underwent training with the Pilates method in combination with 30 minutes of aerobic exercise had greater increases in exercise time, ventilation (P= 0.02), peak oxygen…
Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise – it teaches us to work our mind and body in unison, and gives us a killer workout at the same time. However when poorly taught, or when you’re just not 100% certain what your teacher is saying, it can be ineffective and even cause injuries (like any…
Pilates initially was recommended to Eric Ebron (Tight End for the Detroit Lyons) by his girlfriend. He started doing it, became hooked and now has made it part of his offseason training after a season in which he dealt with ankle and knee injuries for the majority of the year. “I do Pilates now,” Ebron…
You might be surprised to find out that there isn’t one agreed upon meaning. Defining it isn’t as easy as it might first seem.Many people think of healthy eating from the physical perspective: how our meals add up in terms of calories or sodium, or if portion sizes meet recommendations. We may focus on getting…
Whether you’re training for a marathon or chasing a toddler around the house, there are plenty of reasons to want more stamina. Often referred to as endurance, stamina is your ability to sustain a physical or mental effort for a long period of time. If you’ve been experiencing a personal energy crisis lately (outside of…
Pilates guru Brooke Siler, author of The Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates, has helped tone and transform the bodies of her devotees for more than 20 years, including celebrities such as Madonna, Zooey Deschanel, Liv Tyler and Kirsten Dunst. Siler is one of the few Pilates instructors to have trained under the tutelage of…
Joseph Pilates, the founder of our favorite exercise program, believed that exercise could relieve any feelings of nervousness throughout the body. Doctors consistently point out that exercising regularly will help you sleep better, as your body will be more fatigued from the workout. To alleviate this, we suggest trying the Joseph Pilates-advised spine-specific exercises that…
The Pilates 100 is an exercise that uses the method of Pilates to strengthen the abdominal muscles while teaching your body stability and strengthening your lower back. Pilates is a method of exercise designed to strengthen the core by using gentle, but powerful but controlled movements. In the early 1900’s, Joseph Pilates began to design…
Joseph Pilates considered Pilates to be a way of life. He believed through Pilates you could achieve your highest potential physically, mentally & emotionally. A strong body representing a strong mind, a stronger mind creating a stronger body… all of this transferring into ultimate happiness and a better world to live in. (Pilates, J. (1945).…
It is a common misconception that Pilates are only for women. It was only recently that celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala shared a post of football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo doing Pilates on the core align movement. Looking fit as a footballer in his orange jersey and shorts, Ronaldo perfectly glides on the core align, thereby…
We know that the mention of a Pilates workout would make many men recoil in horror. After all, it’s for lightweight lady celebs and men who babble on about their ‘aura’, isn’t it? That may be the stereotype, but adding some Pilates-style training to your workouts could see you getting fewer injuries and lifting more…
“Ideally, our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably, our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.” – Joseph Pilates Pilates and Pilates based equipment were founded on the basis of rehabilitation. The founder of the Pilates method, Joseph Pilates, began to develop his work in WWI. He served as an…
We all understand the importance of aerobic fitness, anaerobic capacity, strength and power to our success on the sports field and in the gym. It has only been recently that flexibility, stability, balance and functional range of movement have started to become common topics in the changing room. With the huge number of professional sports…
Two examples of NFL stars who use Pilates as their key’s to success on the field include wide receivers Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jarvis Landry of the Miami Dolphins. Antonio Brown uses slow, controlled Pilates movements to train his muscles for the hard cuts, twists and turns on the the field. (Watch…
Whether you’ve had a chronic injury for years or have a twinge from your last workout, injuries are painful, frustrating and often restrict your participation in the things you love doing. Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates during WWI to rehabilitate injured soldiers, so you’ve definitely chosen wisely as Pilates can be adapted to…
The majority of people who suffer from back pain have never stepped into a Pilates studio, let alone know the benefits of it. But as devotees of this exercise know, Pilates is much more than stretching the body. It can go a long way to treating and even preventing back pain. Back pain is on…
To hardcore representatives of either exercise methodology, putting Pilates and Crossfit in the same sentence, let alone as part of the same exercise program, might sound inconceivable. In terms of volume, intensity, and demand on the body, these two disciplines could not be more polar-opposite from one another. Both Crossfit and Pilates have their origins…
We know Pilates can help with your core, your body shape, posture and flexibility, but what about the mind’s side of things? Using Pilates exercises to help you bounce back from a mental rut or to get your body feeling balanced again is the secret ingredient for millions of people around the world, from celebrities…
Everybody is aware of Pilates as a form of exercise these days. It’s as common as yoga. Or spinning. Or weight training. The list certainly goes on. But there is the notion that Pilates may only be for certain demographics, markedly women. This is interesting, considering that Joseph Pilates was an athletic man and designed…
“A thinking way of movement,” was how the founder of Pilates described the controlled exercise which offers, “complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” The power of the mind and how it connects to movement is an intrinsic element to Pilates. Your mind, both conscious and subconscious, is brought into focus and has a dynamic…
Our general well-being is linked to a healthy combination of important lifestyle factors. Exercise is not singled out as the defining lifestyle quality factor but being physically active has been proven to be a powerful catalyst for succeeding in all other factors. It is believed that physical exercise reorganises our brain to better respond to…
A well-balanced diet provides all of the: Energy you need to keep active throughout the day Nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness Keeping active and eating a healthy balanced diet can also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Deficiencies in…
Since it’s creation in the 1920s, Pilates has been used around the world to increase muscle strength and tone, improve flexibility and posture and lose weight. However more research is suggesting that Pilates also has a wide range of mental health benefits. Let’s look at some of the ways that Pilates has the potential to…
With interest spreading at a rate that might have surprised Joseph Pilates himself, it’s no wonder men and women are thinking beyond the mat and taking Pilates into daily life. The benefits are myriad: better posture, stronger abdominal muscles, greater flexibility and reduced stress. With a pedigree like that, who wouldn’t want to start practicing…
Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation. Older adults often don’t get enough fluids and risk becoming dehydrated, especially during summer when it’s hotter and…
Apologies for the pun, but with summer almost here and the tennis season in full swing (sorry about that one, too) more and more people will be dusting off their racquets and hitting the courts. Each sport places its own distinct set of pressures and stresses on the body – usually resulting in its own…
We know exercise and a healthy diet are essential for optimal health. We also need to manage stress, which is a major benefit of choosing Pilates as your form of exercise. So, what about diet? In general, a healthy diet for people who practice Pilates is no different than any healthy diet. What is a…
Are you a cyclist? Runner? Tennis player? Golfer? Then Pilates will benefit you. Pilates is not only a refreshing mind-body workout, it helps you become more in tune with your body’s specific needs and lays a perfect foundation for whatever sport you’re about to tackle. Here’s three benefits of Pilates for athletes: Pilates lengthens muscles…
Pilates creates results not only from the time you spend doing it, but because of the lifestyle it promotes and I’m definitely not interested in assisting our beloved Pilates devotees to reverse their positively geared Pilates results before they even leave the building! So what is the best thing to eat before you come to…
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in various stages of their diagnosis. My interest in this population inspired me to get my LSVT certification (a special protocol exercise program for people with PD) and I’ve been applying the principles to both my Physical Therapy and…
Whether you’ve had a chronic injury for years or have a twinge from your last workout, injuries are painful, frustrating and often restrict your participation in the things you love doing. In this post, we’ll give you a few hints at what to do if you have an injury or condition that you are concerned…
To understand how the right foods can help you after exercise, it’s important to understand how your body is affected by physical activity. When you’re working out, your muscles use up their glycogen stores for fuel. This results in your muscles being partially depleted of glycogen. Some of the proteins in your muscles also get…
Pilates has become one of the most popular exercises for older women. Many of us are taking classes to build strength, reduce back pain, lose weight, or to improve coordination and balance. It has some similarities to yoga because it focuses on principles related to concentration, control and centering of the body. Exploring the Benefits…
Many people use Pilates to tone up and look their best, but it is also a great way to conquer pain. For those who work in offices, however, Pilates can be especially helpful. If you spend most of your time at a desk, this blog is for you! It’s well known that office work comes…
Whether you started on the mat and want to test out some apparatus work or you’ve heard buzz around studio Pilates reformer classes, hopping on the machine can be intimating and confusing at first. They are outfitted with straps, springs, and a sliding carriage, so if you’re not careful, you could actually hurt your body—or,…
Since the 1990s, the popularity of Pilates has skyrocketed. Its rise is largely due to its ability to be practiced almost anywhere… and by almost anyone! Visits to the gym could almost be obsolete as many opt to take their exercise routine to the living room, bedroom or even poolside. Here are some reasons Pilates…
