Pilates – How Often Is Often Enough?

admin — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:38:14 +0000

Pilates - How Often is Often Enough?

One of Joseph Pilates’ most famous quotes says “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.” Sounds too good to be true, right? Let’s look a little closer. When Joe Pilates said those words, his clients came to him 3-4 times per week, there were no group classes, and their practice was dedicated. In today’s world, few people have that kind of time. It’s true that a student who comes to Pilates three times every week will experience faster and greater benefits than one who comes just once a week. So is it even worth it to come to Pilates lessons only once per week? The answer is absolutely. We just have to be realistic with our expectations.

Pilates is a practice just like any other – if you’re learning to play the piano, to paint, or to speak another language, you practice on your own in between lessons. Pilates is no different. If your schedule allows you only one lesson with your instructor every week, can you find ten minutes in your day a few times a week to practice at home? When you wake up can you slip in a quick Ab-Five and a few Bridges? Can you practice your Abdominal Scoop while sitting in your car at a a traffic light? How about a few Roll-ups and Leg Circles before bed? This kind of “homework” can solidify your practice and help you to reap benefits beyond a once-per-week practice.

It’s worth it to consider what you want out of your Pilates practice, as well. Perhaps you are getting older and are looking for a gentle way to start moving your body, while strengthening your muscles, gaining flexibility and improving your balance and coordination. Or maybe you’ve had an injury – your back/knee/shoulder/neck is preventing you from doing things you once did and you want physical activity that won’t further aggravate the injury. Possibly you are very fit, playing tennis or pickle ball every week and want to strengthen your core and improve your flexibility to better your game. Maybe your life is busy and chaotic and you value the mind-body connection, in which you can shut out all other thoughts, concentrating only on your body and the movements. In all of these cases, Pilates is a perfect fit, even if only once per week.

It’s true that with only one lesson per week your results may not be as dramatic as if you had three, but with one lesson and some home practice you can still increase your strength and flexibility, improve balance and coordination, and feel better in your body. What are you waiting for? I can’t wait to help you get started!

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Why A Strong Core Is Important As We Age

admin — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:40:46 +0000

Why A Strong Core Is Important As We Age

If you’ve ever taken a Pilates lesson, you know that core strength is central to the practice of Pilates. But what is core strength, and why is it so important?

In Pilates we refer to the core as the Powerhouse. In comprises the abs, glutes and inner thigh muscles as support to all movement. With a strong and stable Powerhouse, other movements can be smooth and precise, and without a strong and stable Powerhouse, other movements are unbalanced and shaky. An unstable base makes peripheral movements more difficult. In Pilates we seek to provide a stable base to all movement through a strong Powerhouse.

As we age, we often become weak, unbalanced, less stable on our feet. Pilates is an ideal form of exercise to combat this decline, as it strengthens the core, improves stability and balance, increases flexibility and improves body awareness. One of the first things Pilates students are taught is to identify and activate the muscles of the Powerhouse. This not only provides stability in the exercises and protects the body from injury that can result from careless execution, but affects activities of daily living as well. Ascending the stairs, carrying groceries, bending and lifting, even getting out of bed are all made easier when moving from an active Powerhouse. With regular practice, engagement of the Powerhouse becomes natural, and daily activities that may have once presented a challenge are easier, approached from a place of strength and stability.

It’s never too soon or too late to start working on a stronger core. When moving from a strong Powerhouse it is easier to take part in favorite activities with a much lower likelihood of injuries that result from imbalance and instability. Let’s get moving!

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