What Is Pilates?

In three words, Pilates is Stretch, Strength and Control

Pilates is a method of body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. Originally called "The Art of Contrology" or the "Art of Control," Pilates offers over 500 exercises on the mat and different apparatuses. Each exercise is meant to be done with the 7 Principles of Pilates and 5 Parts of the Mind throughout the workout:

Pilates instruction begins with building a "powerhouse" or "core" with all of the muscles surrounding the spine including the abdominal muscles, low back and buttocks. This whole body exercise program works on building long, lean muscles instead of short bulky muscles. For this reason, it has attracted many dancers. However, anyone with or without an athletic or dance background can benefit from Pilates. It can be done on its own or as part of your workout routine. It provides great exercise benefits, strengthening and lengthening your muscles while correcting your posture.

In Pilates, the "no pain no gain" theory is thrown out the window. Instead, exercises are done in a safe but challenging manner with seldom more than 10 reps at a time. No matter what your fitness level may be, you will begin with the basics and continue forward as you are ready.

Pilates is great for preventing injury if done correctly. If done unsafely or incorrectly, you may injure yourself. It is important to take instruction from someone well trained and to communicate with them about your body. Feel free to ask questions, its your body!

What To Expect?

The most important concept is to remember that you are in charge of your own body.

Although the instructors at Pilates in the Village are well trained to teach pilates, we are neither doctors or physical therapists.

Pilates is exercise for the whole body.  You may experience muscle soreness during or after your workout lasting up to three days.  Muscles that are "working" or "burning"  are okay to feel.  This is sometimes thought of as pain to those who are not used to working out.  However, you should not feel real pain during or after your workout.  It is very important to communicate with your instructor if you are having pain in your body.  This way, your program can be modified to your needs.

During your lesson, you may be working with different equipment  that have spring resistance, straps, handles, weights or other mechanisms.

You may also be asked to be at different levels of height off of the ground level.  The positions may include sitting, standing, kneeling, or just lying down.  If you are uncomfortable or do not trust that you can stay in control of your body, please let the instructor know.

Doing pilates may uncover unknown weaknesses in the body.  This may require extra time on that weakness or possibly a modification if the weakness is hindering progress or causing pain.  It is possible to hurt yourself doing pilates.  Most of the time, injury is caused by being out of control or not letting the instructor know when something does not feel right.  So please, communicate with your instructor.