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frequently asked questions ● Joseph Pilates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is everyone talking about?

Pilates is not like any other exercise regimen you ve ever done. The program is a unique and individual style of exercises performed on specially designed apparatus. Don t let the look of the apparatus scare you -- they are easy and safe to use with proper instruction from our highly trained Pilates South instructors. There is an extensive repertoire of over 500 exercises -- and we promise you ll never be bored working on apparatus like the Cadillac, Reformer, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Pedi-Pull, Barrels and more.
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What exactly is Pilates?

Unlike most traditional methods of exercise, such as aerobics or weight-training, Pilates is an intense workout that incorporates a combination of both the mind and body. The specifically designed sequence of movements focuses on the powerhouse of the body, lengthening muscles and supporting bones. It also emphasizes the discipline of movement, precision, optimizing postural alignment and muscle balance. You learn to move with maximum efficiency while minimizing stress and impact on your body.
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What does the "powerhouse” mean? How is it different to the “core”?

The core typically refers to the abdominal area. These muscles are important, but they aren't the whole story. The powerhouse is a collective group of muscles that support the spine. They include the thighs, stomach, lower back and abdominals. The powerhouse is an essential part to the Pilates method of training.

Pilates teaches your body to utilize the powerhouse for strength, limiting the burden put on your joints.
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Will Pilates help my problem areas?

Imagine every exercise we do -- every minute is engaging all of your target areas -- buttocks, stomach, inner & outer thighs it s all just CRAZY GREAT "! - oh and all you men out there don t be fooled, it will strengthen your back, increase flexibility and more! Link to crazy great to view what exactly is crazy great as a reference.
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What if I have old injuries or orthopedic issues?

Pilates is the ideal exercise for individuals undergoing physical therapy for an injury or recovering from an illness (with your doctor s permission). This is because Joseph Pilates specifically created the method around injury and disease acquired by WWI soldiers, to accelerate their recovery. The method addresses biomechanical issues that, if ignored, can work against you when you are performing more traditional workouts with an injury.

The highly trained instructors from Pilates South will safely guide you through the method -- with over 500 exercises -- there are many modifications that can give you the results while minimizing the impact on joints and injuries.

So it's low impact?
“You work the apparatus, it doesn’t work you?”

Pilates is a whole body workout that requires you to think and work at a whole new level with your body. Pilates naturally teaches each muscle in your body to work effectively and simultaneously. On the apparatus, you will be concentrating and focusing to control specific movements with specific muscles. Pilates focuses on control, deep muscle strengthening, lengthening and flexibility.
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What kinds of results will I see?

You will notice that Pilates, when done correctly and consistently, can change your body like no other workout. While weight-resistance training builds bulk, Pilates is designed to strengthen and lengthen muscles, producing a lean and toned body. Pilates focuses on total control of the body, flexibility and symmetry. You will notice that the Pilates body is leaner, stronger and more balanced than the average body and from a physical standpoint, Pilates respects your joints and helps avoid injury. The benefits from Pilates will go way beyond the improvements in your physical appearance.
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Great! But how long will it take to see those results?

Once you begin developing your powerhouse strength, which is essential to your Pilates workout, results are almost immediately seen. As you continue to develop your powerhouse, your practice will become increasingly more advanced. You will become stronger with every workout.(back to top)

“Within ten sessions you feel different, within twenty sessions you look different, and by thirty sessions, you will have a whole new body”. Joseph H Pilates

How often do you recommend a Pilates workout?

In the beginning, your body is learning a lot of new information and your mind to body connection is being established, so consistency is more important than frequency. The optimal recommendation is three Pilates sessions per week, however, people do see great results with just two. In short, the more consistently you provide your body with this new information, the more quickly your body will assimilate and adapt.

With Pilates in your life, you will notice improvements in your posture, the way you walk, your coordination, your flexibility, and your strength -- there s more good news -- when you train in Pilates using consistent techniques your body responds by remembering these techniques and incorporates them into your everyday life. You will also notice that when your body is performing simple, repetitive, daily tasks, it becomes habitual with fluidity and grace.


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What if I can only do Pilates once a week?

Once a week is probably not enough to obtain drastic results over a short period of time, but even once a week will improve your flexibility and coordination in the long run. It all depends on your own personal goals.
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Why is private instruction recommended prior to group classes?

For a beginning Pilates enthusiast, it is essential to get connected to your body. The Pilates workout must first awaken the smaller muscle groups. This comes with specific training on the movements and stances inside the Beginners Program. Before Pilates, our bodies are dominated by the larger muscle groups. Training the body to work as a whole complete system you will produce the results faster and more effectively. Since Pilates is all about honoring the body, it is imperative to make sure you are not adding unnecessary stresses to your neck, shoulders, or lower back by improper alignment when performing the routine.
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Do I have to give up my current routine?

Always do what empowers YOUR body and mind If you find that doing both supports your needs by all means go for it!

The authentic form of Pilates that we teach is a deep , some would say, profound experience. There is so much to be learned from each and every exercise that it makes a big difference to really perfect the foundation --the more you are in touch with your body, the better the results you will produce. Any other routines you are currently participating in will only be enhanced by Pilates.
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Do Men participate in Pilates?

Absolutely All Pilates South clientele have benefited greatly. For all men, from professional athletes to the average couch potato, Pilates is for ANYONE wanting to improve strength and flexibility.
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What do I wear?

Shoes are not worn, SOCKS are a must! Comfortable clothing to move freely in (we suggest long pants as opposed to shorts).
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What key phrases do I need to know regarding the Pilates exercise method?

Six Principles of Pilates are; Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breathing, and Flow. The Pilates body box ; this is key to proper alignment, ensuring the body is training symmetrically and safely. Shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, a square that serves as a reference for the rest of your body.
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How to choose and / or become an instructor?

When you are in question about choosing what is right for you have private lessons from various teachers certified in the different methods. I promise you will then know for yourself which pathway you will take. When choosing, it is important to know the Master Teacher s credentials, and how many people separate them from the source, Joseph H. Pilates.

Many people practicing Pilates often become inspired to become a Pilates teacher. Choosing a certification can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider when choosing a certification as they are in abundance. We recommend researching and educating yourself on the various programs. Things that are important to look for are: number of Pilates sessions you are required to have prior to entering program. These are important to have, understand and feeling Pilates in your body to better serve your own strength while participating in the program. Apprenticeship hours are important for your learning and teaching practice. This type of education is not necessarily learned from a book, it is important for you to feel, understand the philosophy, and be taught from an experienced Master Teacher, to get the essence of Joseph Pilates work. Recommended programs are: Romana s Pilates. Romana’s Pilates.

The “First Generation of Teachers” are: Romana Kryzanowska, Mary Bowen, Ron Fletcher, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel – (known as the “Elders”)
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How can I find Instructor’s near my location?

Sites: to locate instructors by you –Romana’s Pilates, Classical Pilates,
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Who is Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Hubertus Pilates Joseph H. Pilates was born near Düsseldorf, Germany in 1880. He suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever as a child and because of this he was determined to overcome health problems through a dedication to physical fitness. By age 14, Pilates had already achieved his goals boasting a body of perfect fitness, which he modeled for German medical anatomy charts. He studied diverse movement arts including yoga, martial arts, boxing, ancient Grecian and Roman regimens. Pilates focused on developing mind and body together, specifically, by integrating the practice of spiritual and physical arts.

At the breakout of World War I, Pilates was touring England. He was interned into a camp for "enemy aliens". Here, he trained fellow detainees, and began to develop his original method of exercise, which he would call “Contrology”. Pilates built the first apparatus to rehabilitate those injured and diseased in the camp. Initially, he used parts from bedsprings, mattresses, and other materials available. Later he created apparatuses, like the Reformer and Cadillac, utilizing spring resistance to create open movement in all bodies.

At the end of WWI an influenza epidemic spread worldwide. To his credit, not a single person in his camp died of this infection. Furthermore, the camp Warden made Pilates' method mandatory for all in the camp, including prisoners, guards, and the warden himself. During the 1920’s, Pilates left Germany for New York City where he met his future wife. Clara was an American nurse who then suffered symptoms of arthritis. Joe Pilates offered to cure her arthritis through his method. Together, they founded the first Pilates Studio in New York City in 1923.

Pilates dedicated his life and humanitarian intellect to his method. He continued sharing his training with others as well as developing exercises, routines, apparatuses, and expressing his ideas in writing. As his methods grew more popular, Pilates soon established a following in the dance community with such famous dancers as Martha Graham and George Balanchine. These famous choreographers were soon recommending their own students for Pilates training.

Tragedy struck in 1966 when his studio caught fire. Pilates sacrificed himself to salvage what he could of his documentation, scores of photographs, and apparatuses. Much of the studio's contents were lost.

As a result of the fire, Joseph H. Pilates died from his lung injuries at age 86. Pilates left the world with the invaluable creations of his mind: his method, apparatus, writings, and the teachers he'd trained.

Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska is the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates and has been teaching the method for six decades. Romana currently teaches in NY and has taught thousands of people his Method in its purest form.
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