Pilates 101

Pilates 101

 In Blog, Healthy Steps, RCSC News

11130067_1000534833298872_6629859736813490760_oWhat comes to mind when you think of Pilates? Here’s a couple of common responses we’ve heard:

“Oh, it’s kind of like yoga right?”

“It’s some sort of exercise that women like.”

“It’s that exercise for dancers, you know, the flexible type.”

Well, let us tell you, it’s not just for women, it’s not yoga, and EVERYONE can benefit from it.

First of all, just the history of Pilates, throws two of the aforementioned misconceptions right out the window. It all began with Joseph Pilates, a former boxer and circus performer who was interred during World War I. During this time he developed a system of exercises for other interred MEN, eventually devising machines for those in need of rehabilitation due to injury or sickness!

So just for women? Nope. Just for the super fit? Nope!

We’ll get to the differences from yoga in a minute, but before we get to that, let’s talk about basics –

 

What IS Pilates?

Pilates focuses on developing a strong core (the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine) by integrating the trunk, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.

It is based on six principles — centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. Training develops flexibility, control of breath, body awareness or coordination, good posture and easy graceful movements, elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility.

You may thinking, well this sounds a lot like yoga. Yes, and no. They do definitely compliment one another, and both enhance one’s awareness and the connection between the body and the mind. However, many yoga practices focus on increasing strength and flexibility of the spine and limbs, while Pilates focuses on abdominal strength, then extending through the limbs. There’s actually a number of other differences, enough for it to be an an entire other article. (For further reading check out — What’s the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?)

Why Pilates is for YOU

LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF PILATES INCLUDE:

  • Less chance of injury
  • Better sports performance
  • Full-body conditioning – including the ankles and feet
  • Better posture
  • Improvements in range of motion
  • Improvements in circulation
  • Decreases in back, neck, and joint pain

Pilates at Rock Creek Sports Club

Rock Creek Sports Club offers a number of ways for you to give Pilates a try. This includes:

  • Small Group Training Pilates Mat Classes: In our Small Group Personal Training classes, clients can enjoy the energy of a group class, but have more one-on-one attention, as class size is limited. Training sessions last 45 minutes to one hour, and are sold in packages of five for $125 or 10 for $220. If space permits, drop-in fee is $27.
  • Pilates Mat Group Exercise: Our Group Exercise class schedule offers numerous Pilates mat classes throughout the week in a larger setting for all Rock Creek Sports Club members Check out the schedule here.
  • Pilates Reformer One-on-One Training: Workouts consist of controlled, flowing movements in tune with the breath, working muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement and results in increased muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, and improved posture. Due to the complexity of the machine and the exercises, clients must be with a Pilates Instructor to use the Reformer. More information here.