Why Beyond Pilates Studio??
When choosing where to practice Pilates there are several things to take into consideration.
First, instructor certification. Your instructor should have completed a comprehensive training program, not just a weekend mat course.
Second, look at class size. The larger the class, the less personal attention for you.
Third, how much time does your instructor teach each week. The more bodies an instructor sees in a small setting the more experience they will have to give to you.
Fourth, how many years has your instructor been teaching. The more the better.
At Beyond Pilates Studio all teachers have completed advanced level certification and our class size is limited to 5 people per class.
What qualifications does one need to teach Pilates?
Choose your studio and instructor carefully. Like every other profession, it takes thousands of hours and years of training under qualified teachers to master Pilates well enough to become an instructor. Pilates instructors are highly trained professionals who have invested hundreds of hours studying the technique. They learn over 500 exercises for both the mat and Pilates equipment. They learn the philosophy and theory behind each movement, spend considerable time observing and mastering proper form and sequences, and apprentice to fine tune their teaching skills prior to taking a rigorous written and practical exam.
They learn more than just a series of moves, they learn how to assess their students’ posture, how to adapt exercises for various body conditions, and how to customize the optimum Pilates program for each individual. Shy away from those who get their "certifications" over the internet or at weekend seminars without any further training.
What should I look for in a Pilates instructor?
Ideally your Pilates instructor should be certified through a comprehensive training program, one comprised of lectures, observation, practice, hands-on apprenticing plus a written and practical examination. This level of training is especially important if you are going to be working out on any of the specialized Pilates equipment – some courses only cover mat exercises while others educate trainers in the full range of apparatus. Find out if your trainer is educated in handling clients with specific injuries or body conditions that might warrant a modified approach. A professional Pilates instructor should stay current with the latest developments in exercise science, choreography, small prop usage and more through continuing education workshops. Any background or teaching experience in other movement disciplines such as dance, aerobics or yoga is also a plus. A professional instructor should make good use of visual, verbal and tactile cueing to ensure students are exercising with proper form and technique. Whether you are working out in a group setting or one-on-one personal training, make sure your Pilates instructor is confident, knowledgeable, responsive and personable so you can have a safe and effective experience.
Why should I take individual sessions?
Pilates is unlike any other form of exercise, especially in its demands on the abdominals. Even those who are fit are often surprised at the initial effort it takes to correctly perform Pilates moves. Results are dependent on the individual's ability to efficiently recruit certain muscle groups with precise alignment. While the instructor in a group format will make every effort to provide individual attention to each class participant, privates or semi-privates afford our instructors the chance to focus specifically on the student's unique strengths and weaknesses to better maximize their potential.
What Should I Wear?
It is helpful for our instructors if you wear comfortable yet form-fitting exercise clothes. That way we can make sure you are performing the exercises in the proper alignment. Please don't wear loose or "short" shorts as many of the exercises are done with your legs open and elevated. We require grip socks, therefore no bare feet or shoes in the studio.
What Should I Bring?
For hygiene requirements, please bring a small towel and clean socks with grip on the bottom. Grip socks are available for purchase in the studio. Please do not wear perfume and don't forget to bring water!
How Many Times Per Week Should I Do Pilates?
We encourage that you do Pilates on a regular basis, as clients who do it most frequently notice the results the fastest. We recommend doing Pilates two to three times a week. At the same time we recognize that your life is busy and that a one session a week is better than none.
Many of our client mix classes and Privates for the opportunity to work on the other apparatus.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Joseph Pilates said "you'll feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 and have a whole new body in 30 sessions." Most of our clients have found this to be true and many start seeing results right away. Perhaps more important, our clients feel better which keeps them coming back for more. Pilates helps to relieve chronic back pain, knee and joint pain.
What is the Difference Between Pilates Mat and Equipment Sessions?
Mat work is just one component of the whole system of exercises that Beyond Pilates offers. When you do Pilates on the Mat, you must support your body weight through the movements. Mat work is a great way to make sure you really understand your body and the principles of Pilates.
When you work out on equipment such as the Reformer, your movements and the weight of your body are supported by the carriage as well as by a system springs. The specially designed springs help tailor the degree of difficulty. The equipment can simplify Pilates concepts for beginners as well as provide unique challenges as you become stronger and more flexible allowing for a greater array of movements and positions.
Will I get the same results with a mat as with a reformer/equipment workout?
Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A Reformer workout will add resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a mat routine would.
Will Pilates help my back pain?
Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. . By using and developing the strength of the deep abdominal muscles, the supportive spinal muscles, the muscles of the pelvic floor and the stabilizing muscles of the upper back and shoulder area, you will learn to correct your posture, reduce strain and stress and realign the body. Your back will get stronger and your pain will gradually reduce? However, these principles can be difficult to learn in a group setting, especially for those who may require specific modifications to avoid re-injury or aggravation of symptoms. We recommend that all clients with a history of back pain, especially if it is ongoing, take a private session before participation ting in group classes.This allows us to evaluate your abilities and make recommendations to improve the safety of each exercise.
How does Pilates compare to yoga?
In some respects, Pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with Pilates is to achieve optimal functional fitness.
What If I Am Overweight?
Pilates is a wonderful program whether you are engaged in a weight loss program or not. You will learn to activate and move your body safely utilizing your muscles rather than your joints and will be better able to engage in other physical fitness activities. And, Beyond Pilates Studio works to create a warm and welcoming environment that can be far less intimidating than some gyms.
Do Men Benefit From Pilates?
Remember: Pilates was created by a man and was later adapted for women! Men generally have less flexibility and a greater degree of upper body strength than women. Pilates helps to create longer muscles that are more agile, as well as strengthen the core and lower body. At Beyond Pilates Studio, our male clientele is fast growing. From CEO's and athletes to men recovering from injuries or punishing exercise habits, Pilates helps both men and women retrain and re-strengthen the body for optimum performance. According to USA Today, male athletes are using Pilates to increase performance.
In fact countless celebrity devotees of Pilates, from Sting to Hugh Grant to Martin Amis, John Cleese, Ian McKellen, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, pitcher Curt Schilling, golfer Tiger Woods, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl offensive guard Ruben Brown, Jason Kidd, and many other male athletes and an ever-growing number of famous footballers, rugby players, cricketers and other professional athletes.
Do I need to be fit to start Pilates?
Pilates offers something for people at any fitness level. The classes are organized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts that our instructors can tailor to any individual.
Who should do Pilates?
Pilates can benefit everyone. There is a program that can be designed for nearly everyone at any age in any condition provided they have a doctor's approval to take part in a fitness program.
Can Pilates help in other sports?
Yes, most sports (like golf and tennis) involve the use of only one side of the body. In Pilates, you do the exercises for both sides of the body and as a result, it balances the body and will improve your abilities in all sports including your daily activities-- even if you just do house or yard work, it will make you move and flow more naturally. You can do Pilates alone or in combination with any other activity that you'd like.
What is a Mat Class?
A Mat Class is within a group setting with no more than 10 people to ensure specific instruction. During the class you will lie on a mat, sit or stand and learn the principles of Pilates. The Pilates principles will be integrated into each exercise. The exercises use your own body weight and should be mortified for your fitness level and become more and more progressive and challenging as you develop awareness, strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance and strength.
What is a Pilates Reformer Class?
The Pilates Reformer is the most well known piece of Pilates equipment. It is a bed like frame with moveable carriage where a person sits or reclines and does his or her stretching, is an excellent way of exercising without hurting the joints while strengthening muscles.
To attend a group reformer class you should have at least five (5) Private lessons from a Pilates professional or attended a specially designed Reformer Introduction class. You must know the names of basic reformer exercises and how to adjust Reformer settings on your own. Classes should be no more than 6 people to work in unison with a staff member directing class and assisting in corrections. This class is geared toward those who attend private lessons and want to work out at a steady pace with limited personal attention.
What’s better, mat or equipment Pilates exercises?
It’s not a matter of one being better than another. The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a mat alone, and great results can be achieved through beginner, intermediate and advanced moves. However, the various equipment pieces such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles. The various Barrels provide support that allows you to safely manipulate your body to stretch and engage muscles otherwise challenging to isolate. Smaller Pilates equipment pieces such resistance bands, circles and balls also provide an element of variety and focus to a Pilates regimen.
A complete and satisfying workout can involve exercises on the mat alone or can be combined with various pieces of specially designed Pilates equipment.
Is Pilates the only kind of exercise I need take?
If appropriate you should also take some form of aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, tennis or swimming. And also incorporate some form of weight training as well.
What kind of results can I expect?
Practicing Pilates on a regular basis will help you to achieve a healthier body and mind. As a runner you can expect to build long, strong muscles, improve flexibility and lessen your chance for injuries. The way Pilates helps to lengthen the spine, in particular, helps to prevent the sort of back injuries which can result from constant impact involved in running.
Physically you can expect to:
Lose inches
Increase mobility and flexibility, especially in the low back, shoulders, and hips
Improve balance and coordination
Decrease back pain and stiffness
Improve your posture
Achieve a flatter stomach
Shorten recovery time following strenuous activity
Mentally you can expect to:
Gain body awareness
Improve focus and stimulate the mind
De-stress the body and mind
Does the Pilates method benefit posture?
Yes! Thanks to its basic principles, the Pilates method can be used for orthopedic rehabilitation. The control needed in all of the exercises and the synergy between the abdominals and the lower back help reduce the risk of injuries and relieve back pain. Most of the exercises are carried out in an horizontal position or sitting, so that spine joints are never stressed and bad postures are avoided. A correct posture not only means elegance of movements but, most important, releases spine from bad postural habits so that you may become a few centimeters taller!
Why is Plates considered a mind/body conditioning program?
Pilates requires precision, control and concentration in order to create movement that is fluid, easy and rewarding. Unlike some workouts, Pilates requires you to continuously think about what you are doing. As a result, you’ll find your Pilates workouts absorbing and even rejuvenating. It may be the one hour of your day when you’re able let go of everything except the present moment.
Is the Pilates method suited for Seniors?
Absolutely. There’s no age limit in the practice of the Pilates method, as many of the very first pupils of Joseph Pilates show. Indeed, despite being 70 and 80, they are fit and still working – among these Lolita San Miguel, founder of the Puerto Rican Ballet Concierto, who was certified officially by Joseph Pilates. The Pilates method works against the natural “stiffening” we all suffer from when getting older. Exercises improve flexibility, stretching and toning up muscles.
Will I lose weight through Pilates exercises?
In essence, Pilates exercise is not a cardiovascular workout and burning calories is not it’s main focus. However, in conjunction with a sensible diet and some cardio work such as brisk walking, bicycling, aerobics or swimming, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program.
Pilates exercises help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles. Whether the number on the scale goes down or not, you will tend to look and feel better through continued Pilates practice.
Can I do Pilates if I’m pregnant?
There is a lot of debate on the subject of pregnancy and exercise in general. Generally speaking, moderate exercise is safe throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle Pilates exercises are appropriate as long as you Dr. gives you clearance. However, keep the following cautions in mind.
The American Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) states that a woman in the 20th week of pregnancy should not lie on her back for exercise for any other reason due to the compromise to the vascular system and possibly the vascular system of the fetus caused by compression of the aorta and the vena cava in the supine position.
