What is PILATES?
Authentic Pilates is a full-body exercise system developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates. It is not just exercise but a series of over 500 controlled movements engaging your body and mind. This conditioning method is performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers. While it is primarily focused on your core muscles (“Power House”), you work to build strength from your center out, uniformly developing strength without building bulk while simultaneously improving flexibility, posture and body awareness. Pilates exercises can be adapted for individuals of any age and fitness level and can help prevent and alleviate common aches and back pain.
What is BARRE BODY®?
Barre Body® is a workout created by dancers for everyone! The ballet barre, in addition to other props such as light hand weights, balls, and exercise bands, are incorporated into exercises to help support the body in dynamic movement. This promotes the development of long, lean muscles like those associated with a dancer’s body, giving students that “barre body” look. Barre Body® utilizes the same principles as Pilates wherein you create stability in your body, strengthen and stretch your muscles, and increase your stamina through an invigorating workout targeting your upper body, abdominals, seat, and thighs. The movement has a natural progression allowing you to work deeper as you go - that's where the real change happens!
Pilates Class Styles
Pilates Mat – This open level group class teaches the classical Pilates exercises on the mat. Exercises are performed in a consistent, systematic order and are the foundation of the Pilates system. Exercises focus on alignment, strength and mobility and dynamically flow from one to the next via intentional transitions. Experience the original order of exercises with variations and modifications that work for you. Props like magic circles, weights, bands or balls may be incorporated.
Pilates Foundations – This group class is for anyone who is new to Pilates or wants to move at a slower pace through the beginner exercises with a focus on the fundamentals including detailed explanations on proper body positioning. It may be appropriate for those with injuries, those who are new to this type of movement or those who want to gain a deeper connection to the basic principles of Pilates.
Pilates Mixed Equipment 1/2 – This group class is for individuals who have a solid foundation of at least the beginner exercises and some intermediate level exercises on the reformer. Students are expected to know most of the terminology/exercise names and be able to adjust their springs independently during class. Specific apparatus chosen for class is at the teacher’s discretion and based on the needs of the individuals registered for the session. This level comes with an increased focus on Pilates breathing, proper muscular engagement and smoother transitions between exercises.
Pilates Tower – This group class offers an aerobic series of floor work exercises designed to create body alignment, long, lean muscles, and core strength, while improving overall flexibility. This open level class incorporates tower springs and classical mat exercises and is great for all skill levels.
Pilates Mixed Equipment 1 – This group class is ideal for those who are new to Pilates, getting back into a Pilates practice or any practitioner who wants to deepen their connections through the foundational Pilates exercises on the mat, tower, reformer and chairs. There is a focus on alignment, precision and control with an introduction to Pilates breathing.
Pilates Mixed Equipment 2/3 - This group class is for individuals who are proficient in at least the intermediate exercises on the reformer and chair and may include other apparatus at the teacher’s discretion. Advanced exercises may also be introduced. Participants are expected to flow through exercises and transitions with minimal assistance. The teacher will emphasize flow for a more challenging mind body workout. *This class requires teacher approval prior to joining.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
- Joseph H. Pilates.