STOTT PILATES™ is a very disciplined, focused form of exercise, designed to strengthen ligaments and joints, increase flexibility and lengthen the muscles, and balance the body structure. The main emphasis is body core stability, elongating, rather than "bulking up", of the muscles to create a longer, leaner and taller silhouette. Stott Pilates™ is a holistic discipline and a philosophy of movement that brings about mental and physical integration. Stott Pilates™ improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits.
- Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus.
- Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program.
- Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased.
- Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time.
Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one's life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q./ Is PILATES like yoga? In some respects Pilates conditioning resembles yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. Some Pilates exercises are, in fact, taken directly from yoga; Pilates, however, is designed to work quickly to provide immediate physical results in terms of core strength and stability. While often traditional yoga classes move from one posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of repetitive movements that are dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness. STOTT PILATES™ instructors must pass a comprehensive anatomy and physiology exam before becoming certified, and are trained to tailor the workout to an individual's body type, strengths and weaknesses in order to balance the body structure.
Q./ How is PILATES mat work different or better than weight training or other resistance exercise?
- Emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
- In Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints, not bulking up muscles
- Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury
- Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
- PILATES leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness
- PILATES is customizable for special needs
Professional instruction, personalized attention—always!
