Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balance of strength and flexibility training that creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region).
The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates incorporates a balanced workout so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system. Pilates exercises can be performed either on a mat or on specialized equipment
What is the STOTT PILATES® Method:
STOTT PILATES is a refined approach to the original exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates. Physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available.
What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES Method and other Pilates techniques?
STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles with spinal rehabilitation theory and athletic performance enhancement. STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and to rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. This system also includes more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities.
What are the benefits of Pilates:
With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to improve strength, flexibility and balance, build loner, leaner muscles without bulk, build core strength and mobility, reduce stress, increase energy, releave tension by restoring postoral alignment, increase flexibility in the spine, increase joint range of motion, improve circulation, alleviate back and joint pain, correct overtraining of muscle group, as well as enhancing stamina and agility.
Who can do Pilates:
Pilates can be beneficial for all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. The Pilates method can be adapted and modified for individual needs. Some moves require strength and conditioning whereas others can be done even by one with a frail physique. A person’s age doesn’t necessarily limit one’s movement capabilities – sometimes a 75 year old can perform contortions while a 20 year old struggles with a simple roll up. Regular Pilates exercises will improve overall conditioning and health of anyone based on what the individual body needs at the time.
Which is better, mat or equipment Pilates:
It’s truly not a matter of one being better than another. The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a Pilates mat alone, and can lead to great results for beginners through advanced practitioners. 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. Some muscle groups are difficult to isolate and engage without the help of equipment; using Pilates equipment in your workout provides support to allow for safe movement and manipulation of these muscle groups.
How often should I do Pilates:
It is good to work out 2-4 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity. Regular, consistent practice will help in strengthening the mind-body connection and in integrating various Pilates principles. Depending on your level of involvement and consistency, you should start seeing and feeling results in about 10 to15 sessions.
Will I lose weight through Pilates exercises?
Pilates exercise is not a cardiovascular workout and burning calories is not it’s main focus, but when combined with a sensible diet and some cardiovascular exercise, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program. Pilates exercises will help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body by building long, lean muscles. Whether you lose weight or not (remember that muscle weighs more than fat), you will tend to look and feel better through continued Pilates practice.
Can I do Pilates if I’m pregnant? Note: The following information should NOT be substituted for medical advice from your doctor. Please consult your physician for information on what will be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.
STOTT PILATES does follow the current standards practiced in the fitness industry regarding safety during pregnancy and the guidelines set out by professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. That said, no two women’s bodies are the same; a workout that would be quite appropriate for some people during pregnancy would not be suitable for others. During a normal, healthy pregnancy, moderate exercise is safe for the fetus. Exercise is said to prevent many of the common complaints of pregnancy, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids and low back pain. It also assists in boosting ones self esteem, maintaining physical fitness and can help prepare the body for the physical demands of labor and motherhood. Since Pilates can be adapted and customized for individual needs, such as the changing needs of the body during pregnancy, it can be a good program to follow for expectant moms.
Is STOTT PILATES exercise like Yoga?
In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of fitness. Both put emphasis on deep breathing and smooth, controlled movements. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements while incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the core while achieving optimum fitness.
Will I get the same results with mat work that I would with equipment work:
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your own lifestyle and choices. Mat-based workouts are very convenient and can be done anywhere. Equipment is not as convenient, but will put more emphasis on the outer limbs of the body, while adding a different level of intensity to the workout. What will work best for you depends on your own commitment to your practice and what you are looking to achieve through your Pilates workout.
Should I do my regular workout once I start Pilates:
Incorporating a cardiovascular exercise routine into your fitness regimen is an ideal combination with Pilates. Pilates will focus on musculo-skeletal conditioning, whereas cardio exercise will assist in weight loss and calorie burning. Adding more than just Pilates to your routine will help to integrate a healthy and balanced approach to fitness and mind-body well-being.
Pilates FAQ’s
What precisely is Pilates:
Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balance of strength and flexibility training that creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region).
The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates incorporates a balanced workout so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system. Pilates exercises can be performed either on a mat or on specialized equipment
What is the STOTT PILATES® Method:
STOTT PILATES is a refined approach to the original exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates. Physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available.
What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES Method
and other Pilates techniques?
STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles with spinal rehabilitation theory and athletic performance enhancement. STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and to rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. This system also includes more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities.
What are the benefits of Pilates:
With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to improve strength, flexibility and balance, build loner, leaner muscles without bulk, build core strength and mobility, reduce stress, increase energy, releave tension by restoring postoral alignment, increase flexibility in the spine, increase joint range of motion, improve circulation, alleviate back and joint pain, correct overtraining of muscle group, as well as enhancing stamina and agility.
Who can do Pilates:
Pilates can be beneficial for all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. The Pilates method can be adapted and modified for individual needs. Some moves require strength and conditioning whereas others can be done even by one with a frail physique. A person’s age doesn’t necessarily limit one’s movement capabilities – sometimes a 75 year old can perform contortions while a 20 year old struggles with a simple roll up. Regular Pilates exercises will improve overall conditioning and health of anyone based on what the individual body needs at the time.
Which is better, mat or equipment Pilates:
It’s truly not a matter of one being better than another. The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a Pilates mat alone, and can lead to great results for beginners through advanced practitioners. 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. Some muscle groups are difficult to isolate and engage without the help of equipment; using Pilates equipment in your workout provides support to allow for safe movement and manipulation of these muscle groups.
How often should I do Pilates:
It is good to work out 2-4 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity. Regular, consistent practice will help in strengthening the mind-body connection and in integrating various Pilates principles. Depending on your level of involvement and consistency, you should start seeing and feeling results in about 10 to15 sessions.
Will I lose weight through Pilates exercises?
Pilates exercise is not a cardiovascular workout and burning calories is not it’s main focus, but when combined with a sensible diet and some cardiovascular exercise, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program. Pilates exercises will help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body by building long, lean muscles. Whether you lose weight or not (remember that muscle weighs more than fat), you will tend to look and feel better through continued Pilates practice.
Can I do Pilates if I’m pregnant?
Note: The following information should NOT be substituted for medical advice from your doctor. Please consult your physician for information on what will be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.
STOTT PILATES does follow the current standards practiced in the fitness industry regarding safety during pregnancy and the guidelines set out by professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. That said, no two women’s bodies are the same; a workout that would be quite appropriate for some people during pregnancy would not be suitable for others. During a normal, healthy pregnancy, moderate exercise is safe for the fetus. Exercise is said to prevent many of the common complaints of pregnancy, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids and low back pain. It also assists in boosting ones self esteem, maintaining physical fitness and can help prepare the body for the physical demands of labor and motherhood. Since Pilates can be adapted and customized for individual needs, such as the changing needs of the body during pregnancy, it can be a good program to follow for expectant moms.
Is STOTT PILATES exercise like Yoga?
In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of fitness. Both put emphasis on deep breathing and smooth, controlled movements. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements while incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the core while achieving optimum fitness.
Will I get the same results with mat work that I would with equipment work:
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your own lifestyle and choices. Mat-based workouts are very convenient and can be done anywhere. Equipment is not as convenient, but will put more emphasis on the outer limbs of the body, while adding a different level of intensity to the workout. What will work best for you depends on your own commitment to your practice and what you are looking to achieve through your Pilates workout.
Should I do my regular workout once I start Pilates:
Incorporating a cardiovascular exercise routine into your fitness regimen is an ideal combination with Pilates. Pilates will focus on musculo-skeletal conditioning, whereas cardio exercise will assist in weight loss and calorie burning. Adding more than just Pilates to your routine will help to integrate a healthy and balanced approach to fitness and mind-body well-being.