Q & A
Is Pilates a form of Yoga?
No, Pilates is not a form of yoga. It is a system by itself developed by Joseph Pilates who was a physicist. He infused his belief that both mental and physical health is interrelated in Pilates. Did you know that only a very few were allowed to practice this form of exercise, that too confined in specialized studios?
Can Pilates be performed without a method and apparatus?
Pilates is all about achieving the right method in your exercise. Now you all must know that Pilates and mats go hand in hand. But Pilates cannot be complete without apparatus. Traditionally there was a lot of use of chairs and tables. In the contemporary version of Pilates we've seen a lot of use of rollers, exercise balls, rotating disks and resistance bands.
There are basically two ways in which Pilates can be practiced. Mat based Pilates involve a series of exercises done on the floor. The key here is to use the combination of gravity and your body weight to provide resistance to the muscles. Equipment based Pilates is exercise that incorporates the use of various equipment and weights for muscle training. Nowadays, a reformer is the best way in completing a full Pilates workout and achieving great results!
Is Pilates good for my back if I have back problems?
When Joseph Pilates was working on developing Pilates as a system of physical fitness, he also termed it 'Contrology'. It's not rocket science. He believed that whoever is practicing Pilates should be in constant control of each and every movement. Experts say that it results in enhanced muscular control of the back relieving pain but also of the limbs and abdominal muscles.
Is Pilates only for women?
There is a common misconception that Pilates is only for women. If even you think so, get with the times! Pilates was invented by a man and Pilates is for everyone and caters to the needs of beginners, and experts.
How will Pilates change my body?
We think this is the best advantage of practicing Pilates. Are you used to putting your mind through such extreme control, concentration, and focus? Top that with a strenuous physical workout. You have a deadly combination of mind and matter working towards a goal. Super challenging!
From improved flexibility to better posture, from enhanced muscular strength to stabilization of the spine and from rehabilitation to prevention of injuries- Pilates helps one and all. Know these facts and use Pilates to stay healthy and achieve that super fit figure.
Can I do Pilates if I am injured or pregnant?
Pilates aids in the rehabilitation of many specialised conditions including: Pregnancy, Sports Injuries, Spinal Conditions and Disc Issues, Hip & Knee Replacement, MS, Parkinson's, RSI. Based upon an anatomical understanding of the body's muscular and skeletal systems, our Pilates Teacher creates a comprehensive exercise programme specific to each client. This ensures sessions are effective in helping clients meet their physical and rehabilitation goals.
What is a Pilates Reformer?
Invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The carriage has shoulder blocks on it that keep a practitioner from sliding off the end of the reformer as they push or pull the carriage. At the spring end of the reformer there is an adjustable bar called a footbar. The footbar can be used by the feet or hands as a practitioner moves the carriage. The reformer also has long straps with handles on them that are attached to the top end of the frame. They can be pulled with legs or arms to move the carriage as well. Body weight and resistance of the springs are what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. Reformers parts are adjustable for differing body sizes and for differing levels of skill.
What Are the Benefits of Pilates Reformer Exercises?
The reformer offers all the famous benefits of Pilates including overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. These things in turn lead to daily life improvements like better posture, graceful, efficient movement, and for many, relief from pain associated with physical imbalances such as back pain.
When we talk about strength building and Pilates the Pilates powerhouse muscles, the muscles of the core, are paramount. Flat abs, strong backs, toned buttock and thighs are all results of this emphasis. Other equipment and Pilates mat exercises do that too, but the reformer creates a unique and varied exercise environment. The reformer is large enough to accommodate full-range motion which is wonderful for increasing flexibility while building strength. It seems to invite the length we want to create in the body. And it trains the body to sustain that length. Pushing and pulling with legs or arms against the resistance of the springs, carriage, and body weight is generally strength building.
The exercises provide enough resistance and movement variety to help build strong bones. And there is a special feature: eccentric muscle contractions. This is when a muscle lengthens as it resists a force. The reformer is a set-up for eccentric contraction. That is one of the keys to achieving the long, strong muscles without bulk that Pilates is known for.