Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Pilates?
Pilates is a style of exercise invented by Joseph Pilates to create balance between your strength and flexibility, while reinforcing structural alignment and spinal length. Pilates creates tremendous core strength with coordination of the upper and lower body.
2. How often should I do Pilates?
You should be doing Pilates at least twice a week: workouts of strengthening and flexibility. Once a week Pilates will give you tremendous information of how to workout correctly. Twice a week, the body will remember the new information from Pilates better. As many times a week that feels comfortable to you and your body.
3. What is the difference between mat vs. machines?
There are many differences between Mat vs. machines. First you should know that the Mat exercises and machine exercises inform one another. Generally, mat classes are in a group setting anywhere from 6 to 16 participants, whereas machine workouts are usually private, semi-private or in a group class limited to 5 participants. Now Breathe does not have Pilates machines at this stage, though we have a range of matwork props we regularly use in the classes.
4. What are the benefits of Pilates?
People who do Pilates often claim they ‘feel taller’ after doing Pilates. Better posture and alignment, greater efficiency of movement, toned muscles, increased stability in the core muscles, and greater flexibility/range of motion in other parts of the body are all benefits of Pilates. If you're looking for results, Pilates will give you them.
5.What should I wear?
Comfortable workout clothes that don’t restrict movement.
6.What is the difference between Pilates and other abdominal training?
Pilates works on developing the deepest layer of abdominals closest to the spine, known as the transverse abdominus. Other abdominal training works on developing the more surface abdominal layer, mainly the rectus abdominus, or what we recognize as the ‘six-pack’. The Pilates work believes that true core support is better achieved when these deeper layers of muscles are strengthened.
7. Is Pilates a form of rehab?
Yes it is. Physical therapists recommend Pilates as a low-impact form of exercise for recovering from injuries.
8.When should I expect to see results?
You might find you feel better about yourself almost immediately after starting Pilates. Physical results can be seen after approximately 10 sessions. Obviously the more consistent you are with anything, the faster you see results.
9. What is the best way to get started with Pilates?
Now Breathe offers an Introduction to Pilates Course, running over six weeks. Dates for 2008 are: Wednesdays, 5.15 - 6.15pm, started 27 February. The next course begins on Wednesday 16 July.
Our Bodyboost classes, taught following Pilates principles, are toning and core-focused.