What is Pilates?
What should I expect to do in a Pilates class?
Do I have to bring anything to the class?
What do I wear?
Will I be sore after my first class?
Can I do Pilates every day?
Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
What is Pilates?
Pilates (pronounced puh-la-teez) is a unique method of whole body conditioning that pairs fluid, controlled movements with focused breathing. Legendary trainer Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) spent his life perfecting his repertoire of exercises, performed either on a mat or on specially-designed apparatus. After decades as the workout of elite dancers and athletes, Pilates is becoming one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the world.
Gentle yet challenging, Pilates technique uses the body’s “powerhouse,” the abdominals, thighs, lower back and buttocks, to originate and stabilize each movement. Regular practice of Pilates can result in better posture, greater flexibility, increased spinal and joint mobility, improved abdominal tone, reduced stress levels, and a great body without the bulk. Today Pilates is an accepted method for rehabilitation from soft-tissue injury. It is also used to alleviate back pain caused by injury, poor biomechanics and insufficient core strength.What should I expect to do in a Pilates class?
Pilates pairs controlled movements with focused breathing. Expect to both stretch and strengthen your muscles during a Pilates class, paying particular attention to the area often referred to as the body’s “Powerhouse,” the abdominal, back and buttocks muscles. Expect to engage those muscles to give stability to your body and to enhance the precision and control of each movement. The breathing should be deep and slow, allowing the ribs to expand out to the side and the lungs to fill. Expect the instructor to offer tactile correction to help you get the most out of your workout. Most importantly, modify the exercises (with help from the instructor) to accompany your fitness level and expect to feel energized and refreshed after each session!Do I have to bring anything to the class?
OakTree Pilates provides all equipment, including mats. If you have a yoga mat, it might not be sufficient to protect your spine during some of the rolling movements. Feel free to bring your yoga mat if you have one, and place it on top of the thick mats used at the studio. If you are using a studio mat, please clean it off with a disinfecting wipe (provided at the studio) after class.What do I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. This includes sweats and t-shirts, yoga wear, shorts, etc. Sneakers are not necessary for Pilates, but are required for all non-Pilates classes held at the studio.Will I be sore after my first class?
You may experience muscle soreness for a few days after your first Pilates class, or when returning to Pilates practice after an absence. Modifying the exercises to accommodate your current fitness level can reduce the incidence of soreness.Can I do Pilates every day?
Pilates is gentle enough to do every day. However, OakTree Pilates recommends that Pilates practice be part of a balanced exercise program that also includes cardiovascular activity and strength training to build muscular strength and endurance. OakTree Pilates’ group fitness schedule features a variety of classes - from Step Aerobics to Boot Camp to Pilates – keep clients challenged, motivated and fit.Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
Moms-to-be who practiced Pilates regularly before becoming pregnant may benefit from a modified Pilates regimen. However, if you had never done Pilates before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you wait until after your baby is born and you have clearance from your physician to begin an exercise program.
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