About Pilates

STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It's used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.

Pilates sessions encompass  matwork exercises  as well as exercises on weight bearing machines; the Reformer, Cadillac and Stability Chair.  Flex-a-Bands and Balance Ball exercises are also integrated into the workout; all designed to strengthen, lengthen and increase the body’s range of motion.

Specific Programs for Golf and Tennis: Pilates exercises will create dynamic stability and strength that will improve your game. Click here to learn more.

Brief History of Pilates

Joseph H. Pilates developed a method of body conditioning in the 1920's to rehabilitate injured soldiers after WWI. His approach was to work the mind and body together, with focus of the body's energy to produce a quality action-deliberate movement of specific muscles.

The neuro-muscular resistant exercises are designed to help individuals learn a balanced musculoskeletal system and develop flexible and strong muscles to create a better posture to function with in everyday life.

STOTT conditioning preserves the essence and principles of Joseph Pilates' work while enhancing it with patterned breathing, pelvic and shoulder girdle stabilization, and restoration of natural curves of the spine.

Embrace the Notion of 'Exercise-As-Experience' and Feel Revitalized

Pilates sessions focus on balance, proper breathing and spinal alignment through a series of exercises using machines equipped with a moving platform and springs all designed to strengthen and lengthen the body's range of motion. It should be noted that all exercises on the reformer are weight-bearing.  These exercises are taught in a progressive way. A certified teacher can accommodate different levels of abilities and pre-existing injuries to create an injury free program. The knowledge of creating good body movement in Pilates allows people to gain control of poor habits and create new healthy one.

Benefits:

• Isolates, activates and conditions deep muscles
• Builds core abdominal and back strength
• Develops strength, flexibility and restores natural posture
• Tones and elongates without adding bulk
• Enhances mobility and agility
• Alleviates pain and tension
• Increases awareness of deep breathing
• Develops body awareness and focus on movement

Five Basic Pilates Principles

1. Breathing - a relaxed full breath focuses the mind; help activate the deep support muscles and avoid unnecassary tension.
2. Pelvic placement - neutral, the most stable and optimal shock absorbing position to be in. Imprinted position should be used to ensure stability if neutral cannot be maintained.
3. Rib cage placement and stabilization - utilizing the breath pattern and maintaining abdominal engagement can aid in keeping the rib cage stabilized.
4. Scapular movement principle - cultivating this awareness with movement of the arms to protect overuse of the upper trapezius and other muscles of the neck.
5. Head and cervical placement - should maintain its natural curve in supine and movements - aligned with the spine.