Pilates, Yoga, Holistic Healing Arts and Retreat Center

“A few well designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.” Joseph Pilates Core Center

Pilates (Puh-la-teez) is a method of exercise that has become very popular and mainstream over the past few years.  Endorsements are given by groups of people ranging from movie stars to housewives.  What exactly is Pilates?  Why are people endorsing it and is it all hype?  Below, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Pilates.

What is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of exercise designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s to help flexibility, body awareness, core strength, balance, posture, breathing and endurance.  This system utilizes a series of exercises on mats and equipment.  Within this framework, Pilates focuses on control and precision of major and minor muscle groups.  The six basic principles of Pilates are:  Concentration, Centering, Control, Fluidity, Precision, and Breathing.

Is Pilates considered a cardio workout?
Yes and no.  When students of Pilates move into the advanced workouts, Pilates does become cardio.  Beginning students will experience muscle fatigue, but not high enough heart rate levels to experience a cardio workout.  Pilates is an exercise that needs to be done in addition to cardio exercise, to experience higher fitness levels.

Is Pilates like yoga?
Pilates produces some of the same benefits as yoga: increased flexibility, body awareness, and strength.  Joseph Pilates drew upon some of yoga’s principles to design the system.  However, Mr. Pilates also drew upon other disciplines such as dancing, boxing, and acrobatics to develop this system.  In general, Pilates attempt to keep constant movement, without resting segments (unlike yoga).

What are the realistic benefits of Pilates?
Pilates done regularly (2-3 times per week) will greatly improve abdominal strength, posture, body awareness, muscle tone, low back problems, balance and flexibility.  Pilates will not make you grow taller; however, it will allow you to utilize your full height with proper posture.  Due to the nature of the exercises and breathing methods, many people experience more energy and overall sense of well being after completing a session.  You should not leave a Pilates session feeling exhausted and depleted.

Is Pilates as good for men as it is for women?
Yes.  Designed by a man, Pilates takes into account some very important aspects of fitness for men.  Increased flexibility and help with low back problems are the most common incentives for men.  However, many male athletes use Pilates to help core strength.  A stronger core (abdominals, glutes and upper legs) translates into increased power in any athletic or everyday performance.

Who does Pilates and for what purpose?
The Novice – With no experience in any athletic endeavor, the novice can experience an increase in overall fitness and body awareness.  Due to greater physical and mental fitness, the novice can experience more ease trying different athletic endeavors.
The Athlete – Pilates can help increase overall body awareness, strength and flexibility to help prevent and rehabilitate injuries in sports.  Learning how to use lesser-utilized muscle groups can help overall body balance, often lacking in sports specific training.  For example, dancers are a group of athletes (prone to injury of repetitive muscular stress) that have taken advantage of Pilates on a widespread level to achieve great success.
The Moderate Exerciser: Pilates can add diversity to a boring exercise routine.  Due to the focused nature of a Pilates session, many moderate exercisers can experience a mentally challenging workout, focusing on your needs.  Pilates instructors are trained to be good coaches – improving your fitness level, focusing on your abilities, and helping you to enjoy exercise.
The Injured: Pilates is designed to be modified to help people recovering from all types of injury.  Joseph Pilates had rickets and asthma as a child.  As a result of his experience, Pilates was designed to help people with injuries or special challenges.  With a full disclosure of conditions, instructors can guide clients through a workout that is safe and rehabilitating.  From low back injuries to neck injuries, Pilates is helpful if used in conjunction with a doctor’s approval.

Is equipment used?
Equipment designed by Joseph Pilates is used for private and small group classes.  Large classes utilize mat work only.

Are equipment workouts better than mat workouts?
Not necessarily.  Equipment workouts offer a different type of workout that supplements a mat workout.  Done correctly, mat workouts can provide the most challenging workouts, based on the dynamics of gravity and your body weight.  However, most people enjoy the variety that equipment adds to Pilates.

How many times a week should you do Pilates?
Just like any other form of exercise, repetition is the key to success.  Two to three weekly workouts insures quicker and more consistent results.  However, these workouts can be divided between mat, equipment, personal, group or self-guided sessions.

Can you do Pilates on a budget?
Yes, group mat and equipment classes have reasonable rates.  Even a few personal sessions with an instructor can be helpful in enabling your at home self-guided workouts.  Utilizing a program of group and at home workouts, the client can easily meet the 2-3 times a week suggested workouts.

What does Pilates Core Center offer the Pilates client that is hard to find elsewhere?

• Highly trained, certified instructors with continuing education
• The best available equipment
• Reasonable rates
• Small group equipment classes
• Mat classes
• Private and exclusive environment
• A variety of training options – personal sessions, semi-private sessions, reformer and mat group classes.
• A learning environment where Pilates can be integrated into other athletic endeavors (dancing, yoga, running, cycling, rowing, weight-lifting, kickboxing, tennis, golf, football, soccer, baseball, hockey and more…)

For more information, please visit www.PilatesCoreCenter.com

Medford Location:
176 Route 70 @ Jones Rd.
Medford, NJ  08055
609-654-5404

Mt. Laurel Location:
17000 Commerce Parkway, Suite D
Mt. Laurel, NJ  08054
856-802-9000