FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pilates: Everyone’s talking about it, but what the heck is it?

Pilates is the exercise that has taken the fitness world by storm.
Everyone from dancers to football players are doing it and the benefits are astounding for both physical and mental.  Pilates is an intelligent workout that requires concentration and control, and has total body benefits.
This fun, dynamic exercise is perfect for all types of people of any age.

Why is it so good for you?

When our muscles are weak they make compensations for each other which leads to instability and injury. Take your back for instance: if your posture is bad, your lower back and hips will then adjust themselves accordingly. This means they're essentially out of place. Pilates encourages you to think about how you perform everyday movements. It heightens your body awareness, which in turn improves your overall agility, flexibility and strength. It helps you ensure your body is working at its optimal level all the time.

Who can practice Pilates?

Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels, body types and ages

However, as with any new exercise routine we recommend that you get the approval of your doctor first.  Pilates isn’t just for the people who want to be fit and trim: it was also designed especially for people who need extra help for recovery.      

     

What is a 1st and 2nd generation Pilates Instructor?

1st generation instructors  are those whose training lineage comes directly from Joseph & Clara Pilates : Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Kathy Grant, Eve Gentry, Ron Fletcher, Mary Bowen, Lolita San Miguel,  Bruce King, Bob Seed and Robert Fitzgerald. 2nd generation teachers are those who studied extensively with one—or more—of the 1st generation traditional master teachers. Tess Whelan has been certified by Romana Kryzanowska in 1999, she is a 2nd generation instructor.

Is Pilates aerobic?

While the primary focus of Pilates is not aerobic, some aerobic benefits can be achieved at more advanced levels. We recommend that Pilates is supplemented with regular cardiovascular exercise such as running, walking, cycling or swimming.

How is Pilates different from yoga?

Yoga focuses on holding the body in certain exercise positions, including positions that are very difficult, to stretch the body. Pilates exercises involve less complicated routines, more repetitions and more flowing movement. This means that Pilates is more accessible to more people, of different ages and fitness levels, and that results occur faster. Both disciplines share a philosophy of body and mind connectedness and emphasize proper breathing.

Will I lose weight?

Pilates is not primarily about weight loss. To lose weight simply through exercise you need to work out in the "fat burning" zone where your heart is pumping at around 55 – 60 % of its maximum output. As a novice you are unlikely to achieve this rate of work, however as you progress you will be able to undertake some of the more vigorous exercises. However, anyone who commits to Pilates workouts will develop a trimmer and more tone body. The emphasis with Pilates is inches not pounds!

Can Pilates help to relieve back pain?

The causes of back pain are very varied. Pilates is an excellent form of exercise to improve the core stability and muscle strength necessary for a healthy spine. Our instructors are trained to work with special case clients (i.e. those with back, neck, knee, shoulder problems). Pilates has been shown to improve strength in the Transverse Abdominus muscle to the extent that it provides greater support to the lumbar spine, alleviating lower back pain.

Source: Herrington L, Davis R. The Influence of Pilates training on the ability to contract the Transverse Abdominus muscle in asymptomatic individuals.  Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2005) 9, 52-57.

Can Pilates help during my rehabilitation?

For people unfortunate enough to get injured, Pilates is the perfect post-rehab method to keep the supportive musculature in condition while healing and after. If they are recovering from illness, then Pilates can be a safe form of exercise during difficult times. With an emphasis placed on breath, body alignment, control and overall form, Pilates is an excellent complement to most rehabilitation programs. It’s gentle on the joints and can be beneficial to people with arthritic conditions.
Pilates is beneficial to those with certain neurological conditions in particular Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Post CVA (stroke).
The unique qualities of a Classical Pilates exercises program will accelerate the healing process!

OHSU Parkinson Center Of Oregon Launches Pilates Class

Can Pilates help against osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. According to the National Osteoporosis  Foundation, Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, for 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age. Among the steps to prevent the disease, the Foundation recommends to be engaged in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise. By improving strength, balance and flexibility Pilates can actively help. However, people with low bone density or already affected by the disease must defer to their physician in establishing which exercises are safe and appropriate for them. In American Cassical Pilates de Paris, we are trained in the appropriate modifications needed for those with low bone mass or osteoporosis.

Is Pilates good for seniors?

Supervised Pilates is often appropriate for senior fitness and is gaining popularity among senior citizens. Pilates exercises can be modified to meet the individual needs of all ages and levels of fitness. Some exercises in Pilates work on balance, flexibility, muscle strength and stamina. Some of our fittest clients are well in their 80s.

Is Pilates helpful for golfers?

As the majority of the population already has postural imbalance, conditions can be exacerbated by golf and the golfer's performance inhibited by imbalance. By training in Pilates the golfer can improve postural control, lengthen and strengthen muscles. Pilates addresses the need for excellent rotation around the spine while maintaining stability through the transverse abdominal muscles. The shoulders and arms also need to be stable in order to control a shot. Working on scapular stabilization can really improve the quality of the swing, and improving the coordination skills will benefit the game. Theses improvements can be obtained through classical Pilates training.

Golfers getting into swing of fitness regimen

Does Pilates relieve stress?

Deep natural breathing is at the centre of Pilates Method as is flow and concentration. Clients will learn to be mindful of the moment and immerse yourself in the movement you are making. Yes, Pilates is a stress reliever!

Can I do Pilates when pregnant?

In American Classical Pilates de Paris, we are not in favor of women starting Pilates during their pregnancy. However, those who have already been practicing Pilates on a regular basis we strongly encourage them to continue with approval from their physician.  Pilates is a gentle low impact form of exercise and as such it is considered one of the best forms of exercise for a pregnant woman. Pilates strengthens the most important muscles women will use during pregnancy and labor. Pregnant Pilates will build abdominal, back and pelvic muscles that will support you through you pregnancy and delivery. Pilates is not only a safe form of exercise while pregnant, it can be hugely beneficial too!  So include Pilates in your plans before the baby! You'll be glad you did! So will she or he!                                                                                                                           

Is Pilates suitable for me if I have a minor injury?

Pilates is actually great for people with injuries, weak muscles and particularly bad posture because it encourages you to strengthen your problem areas in a controlled and low impact way. It is advisable however that anyone with serious injuries consult their doctor. 

How soon will I notice the difference?

This depends on a number of factors such as your current level of fitness, level of body awareness and the frequency of your visits. Joseph Pilates’ used to say “You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions”.

What should I wear?

You should wear clothing that is comfortable for you to work out in. Try to avoid over-sized attire that would make it difficult for the instructor to observe your body during the session.

How often should I practice Pilates?

The speed of your progress will depend on how many times a week you are able to commit to sessions. For optimum results, we recommend 2 to 3 times a week. Consistency is the key to change.

That sounds great but I want to be sure I’ll like it.

In American Classical Pilates de Paris, there is no membership or other kind of commitment. You can try it out with a single session.