What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise which works to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment, flexibility, and balance. Focusing on a mind and body connection, pilates involves much more movement and strength resistance on the muscles compared to yoga or traditional stretching. Continue reading to learn more about the principles and benefits of pilates from Renaissance Pilates + Wellness!
The History of Pilates
Pilates was first practiced in the early 20th century, mostly as a method of injury recovery for dancers, by Joseph Pilates. However, it was soon realized that not only dancers could benefit from pilates’ movements, toning, and concentration. Pilates focuses more on muscle tone than building muscles, specifically focusing on your core using the abdomen and low back muscles along with precise movements and controlled breathing.
What Are the Benefits of Pilates?
Outside of the mentioned mind and body connection, pilates really focuses on strengthening and stabilizing your core body, which helps you in your day to day life, from standing, to lifting, and even just sitting comfortably in a chair. Other benefits of pilates include, but are not limited to:
improved flexibility
increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
improved stabilization of your spine
improved posture
improved coordination and balance
improved concentration
increased body awareness
stress management
Pilates and Rehabilitation
Outside of the regular benefits of pilates, if you happened to be recently injured, pilates might be your saving grace, since recently many physical therapists are now suggesting it for rehab purposes. Pilates can be known as a “recovery treatment” because it strengthens your core muscles, good control, and musculature. The practice also helps to align the pelvic and spinal muscles and strengthens the body to ward off potential ailments and possible injury. Depending on the severity of the injury the individual can opt for a higher level of pilates for maximum benefits.
Please contact our team prior to trying pilates for the first time if you are currently injured.
What is a Pilates Apparatus?
At Renaissance Pilates + Wellness, our favorite classes are taught using an Apparatus, which uses a spring-based resistance to simultaneously support and challenge the body during movements. Practicing on the Pilates apparatus called Reformer, Chair and Tower can benefit one’s flexibility, tone muscles and increase the body’s range of motion.
Why Practice Pilates?
While there are a variety of reasons to practice pilates, one of our team’s favorite reasons is that anyone can do it! Pilates is a safe, effective, and fun way for anyone no matter their age or fitness goals to get in a good workout!
If you’ve never practiced pilates before, there’s no better time to start! At Renaissance Pilates + Wellness we offer an eight-week Beginner’s Apparatus Workshop at the start of each month. In just 4-weeks you’ll be able to increase your strength, flexibility, and balance while learning the principles of Pilates Apparatus. You will learn the anatomical principles, proper technique, breath, and how to properly engage your abdominal muscles to set you up for success over the course of the course. Learn more or sign up for Beginner’s Apparatus Workshop here.
Please view the class schedule to drop into our open level beginner level classes offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon during the month of April 2022. All new clients are entitled to a BOGO (buy one get one free)!
Have more questions about pilates? Renaissance Wellness’ team is happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call our team today: 732-444-1111