Pilates
Core Strength + Stability
Class Description
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving posture, stability, and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body including your seat, arms, and legs.
You can do Pilates with or without equipment, but no matter what, expect the moves to involve small, precise movements and breath control.
Experience Level | Open to All Levels
Equipment Used | Mat, resistance bands, gliders, rings, balls, 3-5 lb. weights
Benefits
Strong Core. This class builds strength through your mid-section like no other on our schedule. Your core will be engaged in some meaningful way throughout the entire class.
Stability. Perhaps the greatest benefit to a strong core is the stability that it provides throughout the rest of the body. This aids in recovery from injury while also serving to prevent future injuries that commonly result from instability in the body.
Long and Lean. Pilates physically stretches muscle fibers to build strength resulting in long, lean muscle mass. Compare this to traditional strength training that shortens muscle fibers resulting in shorter, bulkier muscles.
Tips for Beginners
Tiny muscles, big effort. On the surface, Pilates looks like an easy workout. In reality, this class activates a number of underdeveloped ‘stabilizing’ muscles that fatigue quickly. If you find yourself struggling to complete a series, that’s totally normal - take a break whenever you need!
Form. Set a goal to maintain the best form possible while moving smoothly throughout the class. In Pilates, it’s always quality over quantity of movement.
Sore core. Expect some soreness in your mid-section, as this class works your body from the core outwards. Gently stretch out the soreness to speed your recovery - yin and restorative yoga are great for this!