Margaret is Comprehensively Certified in Pilates through Peak Pilates®. Her training is in Classical Pilates, which is a fitness based, systematic, and integrated methodology. Pilates is taught in its original form which means that the type of exercises, the order in which they go, and the transitions between moves are dictated by the methodology.
- Pilates is a system of exercises using special apparatus designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.
- Pilates is a mind-body intervention that focuses on strength, core stability, flexibility, muscle control, posture and breathing. Many people participate in a Pilates program for the following reasons: Increased flexibility and confidence with movement.
- Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. Pilates is named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercises in the 1920s.
Pilates Principles:
- Concentration: Blocking out all other thoughts and complete focus on the movement of an exercise.
- Centering: All movement comes from the center-not through it. Learn how to work the centerline of the body as a reference point.
- Control: Exercise without control will not reap the benefit of the exercise.
- Breathing: The natural rhythm of the breath enhances the fluidity of movement.
- Precision: It’s not just what you do, it’s how you do it. Fewer repetitions with a large variety of movements increase results within the Pilates system. Working with precision helps to re-educate faulty movement patterns, allowing for proper alignment to develop, and helping to prevent injury.
- Flowing Movement: Flowing movement facilitates the functional translation of Pilates movement into daily life. Flowing movement helps avoid fascial restrictions that form as well as release those that have already been formed.
Who Should Learn and Practice Pilates?
Pilates can benefit most people. It is meant to compliment cardiovascular exercise as well as stretch and strengthen tight muscles that aren’t worked in other forms of exercise. Pilates is an effective complement to Physical Therapy. During the time of treatment, Pilates is used as a therapy. When incorporated properly, Pilates can produce long term sustainable treatment results.
Pilates is ideal for people:
- who tend to experience back pain and problems
- who have poor posture are ideal candidates
- who have suffered with sciatica and other lower back problems
- who have desk jobs and sit for long periods of time.
- who are cyclists and athletic
People of all ages* are ideal candidates for Pilates because Pilates helps improve posture and bone-density thus counter-acting the onset of Osteoporosis. Pilates stretches and strengthens muscles that support the hip and the core, helping prevent hip fractures and back problems.
*Disclaimer: 14 or younger will be instructed in Pilates mat exercises only.
