About Pilates
Pilates, pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates, is a mind-body exercise system to strengthen the weak and challenge the strong. Pilates (1880-1967) was a German expatriate who first made his mark in England during WWI when he developed a series of exercises and innovative equipment to help prisoners of war regain strength and mobility.
When Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York, the local professional dance community discovered that his conditioning techniques helped prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining long, even muscle tone. This sparked a vast following of the method of exercise. Professional dancer Martha Graham and world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine were both students of his, and two of the first celebrities to benefit from doing Pilates.
About the STOTT PILATES® Method
Developed by professionals for professionals, the STOTT PILATES method is an anatomically-based approach to the original method. It is a progression in Pilates that incorporates modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles, eliminates contraindicated movements, and emphasizes neutral alignment, core stability, and peripheral mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pilates do for the body?
STOTT PILATES® exercises help both men and women develop optimal strength, flexibility, endurance and posture, without building bulk or stressing joints. The perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, Pilates exercises help tone your body, feel revitalized, and move with ease.
Why is Pilates the fastest growing method of exercise?
People are becoming increasingly more interested in fitness modalities that help relieve stress. They're also much more interested in prevention and taking care of their bodies. They want to stay fit and look good for as long as possible.
Pilates is complementary to many traditional ways of working out. It's excellent for all ages, fitness levels and goals. Its mind-body aspect is even said to be useful in preventing stress related illnesses like heart disease.
Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates can be a positive addition to your overall weight-loss program. Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories expended. The most successful and healthy way to achieve successful weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with a strength training component. The STOTT PILATES method of exercise alongside a balanced diet does just this. Combining Pilates with aerobic exercise also offers additional benefits such as greater mind-body connection, improved posture, flexibility, and functionality.
Pilates will help strengthen, build and tone muscle mass. “Muscle tissue is partly responsible for the number of calories burned at rest (the basal metabolic rare of BMR). As muscle mass increases, BMR increases, making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight.”
– American Council on Exercise
What are the benefits of Pilates?
- Builds core strength and stability
- Improves posture and alignment
- Increases flexibility, balance and coordination
- Improves muscular balance and strength
- Increases endurance and muscular tone
- Prevents injury and heightens body awareness
- Enhances athletic performance
- Relieves stress and back pain
- Increased self confidence
Sessions Offered
Introductory Assessment
Start your initial session with an introduction to Pilates. The instructor will assess your strength, flexibility, posture and movement patterns, and will discuss your health and fitness goals. The instructor will determine the best way for you to proceed with your training to ensure maximum benefits are achieved through private, semi-private sessions and/or combinations of group class scenarios.
Private, Semi Private and Group Sessions
We specialize in private, semi-private and group Matwork® and Reformer sessions.
All classes and private sessions are 55 min in duration.
Matwork Sessions
Enjoy an invigorating Pilates session on a Mat utilizing the resistance of your own bodyweight and incorporating Pilates props (such as the Foam Roller, Fitness Circle®, Flex-Band® and Arc Barrel). During a Mat workout you will learn simple, precise movements to increase your tone, deepen your core strength, and improve your posture.
Reformer Sessions
If you have only tried Pilates on a Mat, you will enjoy resistance training on the Reformer for a more challenging workout. Training on the Reformer, will challenge you to move your body towards balance as you strengthen, lengthen and tone.
Group Matwork and Reformer Classes
Not sure which class is right for you?
An instructor will be happy to access your individual needs for group class participation. Call us today!
Class Descriptions
Prerequisite: Must have Mat/Reformer training or a private orientation to participate in equipment classes.
Registration will be required for group classes.
Matwork and Reformer Group Class – Gentle for your Body
LEVEL Beginner
This is the perfect class for clients who want to begin strengthening their body with gentle Matwork exercises that stretch and tone all muscle groups. In this class you will build core stability, strengthen your back, enhance neuromuscular coordination and improve balance.
LEVEL Beginner-Intermediate
Matwork Group Classes at the Beginner/Intermediate level will take you through a dynamic,full-body workout that focuses on improving flexibility and core strength, with exercises that stretch and tone all muscle groups. For variety and challenge, we will will incorporate small props such as Flex-Band®, Toning Ball™ and Stability Ball™. In this class you will sculpt a strong, streamlined body, build core stability, enhance neuromuscular coordination and improve balance.
Class participants: Maximum 10
LEVEL Beginner
Once you've taken a Reformer Orientation, you can move up to the Group SPX Reformer class. You will develop a defined, stronger leaner body on one of the most popular pieces of Pilates equipment; the Group SPX Reformer. In this moderately paced class you will be challenged to move fluidly and with control using the resistance of springs while focusing on core strength and realigning your body. In this class you will achieve optimal strength and agility, activate deep muscles, gain balance strength with flexibility and increase stamina and coordination.
Class participants: 4
LEVEL Intermediate
Take the Group SPX Reformer to the next level in this core-challenging, faster paced workout. Build on your strength and co-ordination while developing a stronger, toned, leaner, and flexible body. In this class you will challenge neuromuscular precision, explore greater range of movement, increase performance and boost stamina.
Class participants: 4
Pilates Bootcamp on the SPX Reformer
LEVEL Intermediate
An intense strength training class that will work every muscle in your body. This is a gentler side of bootcamp, where we will incorporate Reformer Training, Jumpboard Intervals and Weight Training intervals. In this class you will tone, improve your core strength, flexibility, boost your metabolism and add challenge to your current routine.
Class participants: 4
Fat Buster - Pure Conditioning
LEVEL Beginner-Intermediate
Ready to turn yourself into a lean, mean, calorie-torching machine? Then get pumped in this strength endurance training class! Using a variety of free weights, this class will give you a full body work out that will tone, sculpt and define your arms, abs, legs, and back.
Class participants: 10
Interested in starting your own group at a time that is convenient for you? Call us today!
Please contact us directly for new upcoming classes and fee schedules.
