Is Pilates for me?
Pilates is designed for all ages. It can be beneficial for any fitness background and is especially valuable for anyone suffering from injuries or ailments. A workout can be tailored to the individual’s needs and still be as a way to create balance within the body.
What’s the difference between mat Pilates and equipment Pilates?
Pilates mat classes are an excellent way to understand the basis of Pilates. However, the equipment Cadillac, Chair and especially the Reformer assist the individual in understanding the depth of the work. Rather than weights, the equipment uses springs that work like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to tone and also stretch the muscles.
How often should I do Pilates?
Try to work out 1-3 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity (walking, bicycling, swimming, etc.). Individuals can start with one equipment class a week and also incorporate a mat class in the exercise regime.
Can you justify the costs of private training sessions with a certified Pilates instructor?
Certified Pilates instructors undergo rigorous training, studying over 600 hours in an apprenticeship programs to learn the depth technique of Pilates. Through their education, Pilates instructors learn to modify over 500 exercises and tailor fit it for a client’s program. Learning how to assess the weaknesses, imbalances and injuries of an individual’s body in order to customize an ideal exercise program for each student is the in-depth training. The instructor’s background, training and specialized equipment contributes to the cost of private Pilates training. You can also think of it as a sound investment to your body’s well being!
What should I look for in a Pilates instructor?
Remember, you are making an investment in your body. Like any type of investment, a little bit of research of whom you will train with goes a long way. An ideal Pilates instructor should be born of a comprehensive training program that covers the entire series of Pilates equipment and has studied from a school that can trace its training lineage to Joseph Pilates. The instructor should be well versed with a variety of injuries, aliments conditions and knowledge of how to tailor an exercise program to fit each need.
Be wary of watered down versions of Pilates where instructors were certified in a weekend course; or studios that have instructors creating their own exercises. An instructor working at studios with equipment whose manufacturing has been altered from the original specifications of Joseph Pilates equipment is also something a you should be aware of.
How long does it take to obtain Pilates certification?
Legitimate teaching certification programs have about the same curriculum. As an example, the New York Authentic Pilates Certification Program requires a 600-hour commitment. The certification process includes written, oral and practical exams after every 200 hours.
Will I lose weight through Pilates exercises?
Pilates is not designed as a workout system that is focused on weight loss although the testimonials in infomercials may differ. Pilates is a not a cardiovascular workout system. It was designed to work on strengthening and stretching in a way that is forceful on the joints. However, in conjunction with a sensible diet and some cardio work such as brisk walking, bicycling, aerobics or swimming, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program.
