-What is Pilates
-Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention
-Athletic and Dance Conditioning
-Pre/Post Natal Conditioning
-Weight Loss
-Session/Class Types
-Additional Information for New Clients
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of resistance-based exercise developed in the 1920s by German born Joseph H. Pilates. It can be practiced on a mat or on the various specialized pieces of equipment. Pilates focuses on strengthening the core which creates long lean muscles, a strong posture, stable joints, and increased flexibility, balance and stamina.
Pilates can be as much a mental workout as it is physical, involving great focus and body awareness. The principles of Pilates are beneficial to any body, at any level of fitness, flexibility and experience. An attitude of “come as you are” without judgment is our approach to each individual client. The strength of the Pilates method is its flexibility and ability to mold around each client’s specific needs and challenges.
To fully enjoy the benefits of Pilates, we recommend attending a class or session 2-3 times a week.
What is the “core”?
You may have been hearing this buzz word for a while now, not completely sure what everyone is talking about. The core refers to a group of muscles and tissue around the crucial area of the lower trunk and hips. This group includes the lower spine, sacrum, pelvis, and femurs. Strengthening the muscles that attach to these areas, such as the abdominals, psoas, spinal erectors and gluteals, is necessary to stabilize and control this “core” area. Since the core is the foundation of all movement (kind of like a starfish, where all movement radiates out from the center), any weakness, instability or dysfunction can cause minor to severe strain and discomfort throughout the entire body.
Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention
If you are looking to implement a safe and effective rehabilitative movement program, the Pilates principles of core strength and stability can help alleviate pain and dysfunction to create a healthier body. Many of our clients have said that Pilates has transformed their lives, helping them resume an active lifestyle, manage pain without drugs, and achieve levels of comfort in their bodies they never thought possible.
The highly trained staff of Spring Pilates & Yoga has a wide range of rehabilitation experience to help clients with specific needs. The foundation of our program comes from owner, Izabel Loinaz, who directed the world-renowned Dancemedicine program At Saint Frances Memorial Hospital, incorporating Pilates into a clinical setting for those with acute and chronic injuries. We benefit from a large network of doctors, osteopaths, massage therapists and physical therapists who regularly refer clients to us. Our instructors often work closely with our clients’ health practitioners to provide a comprehensive program. Learn more about our Staff.
Our Pilates instructors are experienced in the specific needs of:
spinal injuries
orthopedic injuries and conditions
arthritis
osteoporosis
neurological conditions
prenatal/post partum recovery
children and adolescents
seniors
dancers
athletes
musicians
…and more
Recommendations
If you are starting Pilates with an injury or chronic pain, we recommend that you begin with private instruction. This will enable us to pair you with the most effective instructor for your particular needs who will fully assess your needs and create a home or studio-based program. We recommend rehabilitation clients practice Pilates 3-5 times per week, mixing private sessions with a home program developed by your instructors.
We do not recommend taking mat or Reformer classes initially as these programs, even at the beginning level, can be too unstable and rigorous for many injuries.
As with any exercise program, consult with your physician before beginning Pilates. In some cases, we will require doctor’s authorization.
Athletic and Dance Conditioning
Pilates can be a valuable addition to your training for a specific athletic activity, sport or dance. In general, a well conditioned core will increase your potential and technique. A specific program can be developed to assist you in attaining a specific goal. Many clients have recruited our assistance in training for marathons, tennis and golf tournaments, winter sports and performances.
Recommendations
Begin with 1-3 private sessions to develop an in-studio and home program. Supplement with 1-2 mat or Reformer classes per week for generalized conditioning. Periodically we offer workshops addressing the goals of specific sports or activities.
Pre/Post Natal Conditioning
Both Pilates and yoga are ideal exercises to practice before, during and after pregnancy.
With a focus on building strength in the deep abdominal and pelvic stabilizer muscles as well as strengthening the back and shoulders, Pilates helps mothers adjust to their changing body, prepare for giving birth, accelerate recovery from birthing and strengthen for the physical rigors of caring for a newborn.
We offer a variety of options for expectant mothers:
Private sessions – Request an appointment
Workshop series on the mat or Reformer
Ongoing Reformer class for intermediate level students
Please consult with your OBGYN before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy. It is best to wait 6 weeks after giving birth before beginning or resuming Pilates.
Weight Loss
While Pilates is not a cardiovascular exercise, it can be a powerful tool in your comprehensive weight loss program. Along with a healthy diet and regular cardiovascular activities like walking hills or dancing, Pilates develops full body tone, energizes your body and provides mind-body awareness that affects your posture, carriage, and self-esteem.
Recommendations
Begin with 1-3 private sessions to develop an in-studio and home program. Supplement with 1-2 mat or Reformer classes per week for generalized conditioning. Periodically we offer workshops addressing the goals of specific sports or activities.
Session/Class Types
All sessions are conducted within a 55 minute hour.
Privates
Private sessions offer 1-on-1 instruction on equipment such as the Trapeze Table (also known as “the Cadillac”), Chair, and Ladder Barrel.
Semi-Privates or “Duets”
Semi-private sessions or “Duets”, consist of 2 clients and 1 instructor, and utilize all of the same equipment as private sessions (see above).
Clients must be roughly the same level of experience and or with similar conditions. Clients can request to be matched up with another client or come in with a family member or friend.
- These classes are conducted on the most versatile piece of Pilates equipment called the Reformer. Classes begin on the mat for the first 10-15 minutes of class before progressing onto the Reformers.
- Class size is limited to 4 clients.
- These ongoing classes require a minimum of 3 hours of experience on a Reformer before attending a beginning level class. To satisfy this prerequisite, you have two choices:
- Privates – Take advantage of our introductory rate for your first 3 privates, a 20% discount. Request an appointment
- Reformer Class Boot Camp – Attend one of these 3 day workshops to jump start your training. Boot camps include a free mat class to be used during the course.
View Reformer workshops and ongoing classes
Mat Classes
As the name suggests, mat classes are practiced on mats, usually in groups of 6-15 students. Often, props such as balance balls, Pilates circles and BOSUs are utilized.
No prior experience is required for most classes. However, mat classes are not recommended for students with active pain or injuries without prior clearance from a certified instructor. Your safety is our priority, please alert the instructor of any chronic or acute issues.
Drop-ins are welcome but signing up online in advance is recommended.
Additional Information for New Clients
What to bring & wear
Our studio provides you with all equipment necessary to attend any session or class. Clothing should be flexible, form fitting and comfortable. Classes and sessions are performed without shoes.
If you have any physicians reports or notes from other healthcare providers, please bring them as they can be quite useful to your instructor.
Please help us reduce our waste and bring your own reusable water bottle.
Intake Paperwork
To save time, download and complete our new client paperwork and bring it with you to your first session. You will need Adobe Reader to download the paperwork.
Download Paperwork
Studio Etiquette
While enjoying your session or class here at Spring Pilates & Yoga we ask that you observe a few principles of courtesy to your instructors and fellow students:
- Please turn off your cell phone ringer before entering the studio and complete all calls before reaching the lobby.
- In our continued dedication to the community spirit we encourage you to get to know your fellow students. While engaging in friendly conversation in the lobby, please speak quietly.
- As this is an exercise facility, people do sweat and hands and feet will be in contact with the equipment. We are concerned with and dedicated to health and safety for all our clients and instructors. We do our best to keep the studio and equipment clean and utilize non toxic products. We ask that you do your part by:
- Coming to the studio with clean hands and feet (Toe Sox are highly recommended)
- Spraying and wiping down all equipment you came in contact with during your visit
- Washing your hands before and after your session
- If you are coming down with a cold or flu, please refrain from attending class or sessions.
