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Perhaps the most highly functional and personalized forms of exercise available, the Pilates Method improves both strength and flexibility. Vineyard Pilates teaches biomechanically sound movement skills, not just exercises. The core based skills that we teach are adapted by your body because they feel empowering and inherently good. Before you know it, you’re both consciously and unconsciously applying these skills to every movement you make.
We all have distinct preferences in our movement. Because we are all unique in the way that we’ve learned to favor and use our muscles, each of us has a tendency to engage and develop our larger muscles while inhibiting the development of our smaller, interior stabilizer muscles. In other words, we tend to focus on the muscles we see on the surface. This preference breeds imbalance. And imbalance, over time, results in postural distortions, chronic and acute pain, misalignment and inefficient movement patterns.
Correcting imbalances won’t happen in five minutes a day, but it will happen more quickly than you think. Mr. Pilates said, “In ten sessions you’ll feel a difference. In twenty sessions you’ll see a difference. In thirty sessions, you’ll have a whole new body.” By focusing on “core” strengthening the Pilates Method first develops a strong center from which to move from rather than just making strong muscles stronger. With careful instruction you’ll find new and stronger support for everyday movement, help prevent future injury, and reduce, or even eliminate chronic pain altogether. Once you’ve begun your personal Pilates program, whether it includes the transformation package, private sessions, duets, trios, and/or mat classes, you’ll find that the movement principles you learn positively affect your entire day.
Note for Yoga practitioners: Pilates is a dynamic addition to any yoga practice. Contrary to popular belief, the two systems complement each other in their pursuit of strength, flexibility, extension, stretch, energy, and of course, complete balance.
