Pilates
Pilates is an exercise program that was developed in the early 1920’s by Joseph
Pilates, who brought it from Germany to the United States in 1923. He was a boxer
and performer who worked as an orderly in intern camps during WWI. While there, he
exercise program was embraced in the United States by dancers to help them gain
strength and flexibility in their extremities, while maintaining core stability. Pilates has
been receiving increased attention over the past few years.
Pilates techniques affect the entire body. Instead of isolating muscle groups, the
entire body is involved, integrating the upper and lower extremities with the core
musculature. Mental imaging, focus and breathing patterns are used to reduce stress
and unnecessary movement while emphasizing static or dynamic core stabilization.
The principle of strengthening while lengthening muscles is critical in providing long
term benefit of an exercise regimen. Pilates principles help improve strength, flexibility,
balance, coordination and posture.
How do Pilates exercises impact the body?
What do we offer to maintain what you have learned in the therapy
sessions?
Pilates Mat Classes - Classes are small and are usually taught by a licensed physical
therapist that pays close attention to each individual’s needs and monitors correct
form for everyone.
Private Pilates Sessions - These equipment sessions provide a different experience
than mat classes. Ranging from private to duos to trios, these tiny classes use the
Pilates equipment -- Trapeze Table, Reformer, Combo Chair, Ladder Barrel and Spine
Corrector.
Senior Fitness Sessions - For seniors who want or need more guidance than they
have with an independent gym program.
***
Pilates for Pre- and Postpartum Women
Pregnancy creates many changes in a woman’s body – a changing center of gravity,
release in relaxing hormone causing laxity in ligaments throughout the body,
stretching of the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor, etc. Lax ligaments and
overstretched abdominal and pelvic floor muscles reduce the stability of the lumbar
spine and pelvis. This can cause excessive movement in joints, especially in the low
back and sacroiliac joints, which creates shearing forces that lead to pain and
inflammation. Excessive body fluid retention can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in
the wrists. And of course, the additional gain of 25-30 percent of a woman’s usual
weight can increase the chance of injuries.
There are also many lifestyle issues that impact pregnant women, such as caring for
other small children, office, house and yard work, and so on. Pilates exercise can help
strengthen the core muscles surrounding the joints and thereby restore the stability
lost during pregnancy. A Pilates exercise routine, guided by a knowledgeable
instructor can help pregnant women:
Pilates, who brought it from Germany to the United States in 1923. He was a boxer
and performer who worked as an orderly in intern camps during WWI. While there, he
exercise program was embraced in the United States by dancers to help them gain
strength and flexibility in their extremities, while maintaining core stability. Pilates has
been receiving increased attention over the past few years.
Pilates techniques affect the entire body. Instead of isolating muscle groups, the
entire body is involved, integrating the upper and lower extremities with the core
musculature. Mental imaging, focus and breathing patterns are used to reduce stress
and unnecessary movement while emphasizing static or dynamic core stabilization.
The principle of strengthening while lengthening muscles is critical in providing long
term benefit of an exercise regimen. Pilates principles help improve strength, flexibility,
balance, coordination and posture.
How do Pilates exercises impact the body?
- Regain muscle balance
- Inhibit overactive muscles
- Strengthen weaker muscles
- Improve flexibility
- Stabilize the spine
- Understand how to move and how to “listen” to the body
- Learn how to prevent future flare-ups and re-injuries
What do we offer to maintain what you have learned in the therapy
sessions?
Pilates Mat Classes - Classes are small and are usually taught by a licensed physical
therapist that pays close attention to each individual’s needs and monitors correct
form for everyone.
Private Pilates Sessions - These equipment sessions provide a different experience
than mat classes. Ranging from private to duos to trios, these tiny classes use the
Pilates equipment -- Trapeze Table, Reformer, Combo Chair, Ladder Barrel and Spine
Corrector.
Senior Fitness Sessions - For seniors who want or need more guidance than they
have with an independent gym program.
***
Pilates for Pre- and Postpartum Women
Pregnancy creates many changes in a woman’s body – a changing center of gravity,
release in relaxing hormone causing laxity in ligaments throughout the body,
stretching of the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor, etc. Lax ligaments and
overstretched abdominal and pelvic floor muscles reduce the stability of the lumbar
spine and pelvis. This can cause excessive movement in joints, especially in the low
back and sacroiliac joints, which creates shearing forces that lead to pain and
inflammation. Excessive body fluid retention can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in
the wrists. And of course, the additional gain of 25-30 percent of a woman’s usual
weight can increase the chance of injuries.
There are also many lifestyle issues that impact pregnant women, such as caring for
other small children, office, house and yard work, and so on. Pilates exercise can help
strengthen the core muscles surrounding the joints and thereby restore the stability
lost during pregnancy. A Pilates exercise routine, guided by a knowledgeable
instructor can help pregnant women:
- Be more comfortable during the pregnancy
- Reduce stress and swelling through exercise
- Decrease the chances of injury before, during and after delivery
- Heighten balance awareness as the body changes
- Increase flexibility, which will be very beneficial during delivery
- Improve circulation to the abdomen and increase muscle tone
- Improve posture, thereby giving the fetus more room to develop and reducing
neck and back pain - Hasten recovery after delivery
- Prevent or reduce back pain
- Improve breathing and lung capacity
- Improve coordination
- Improve the ability to relax
- Prevent separation of rectus abdominis muscles in 3rd trimester
physiofit physical therapy || 1000 fremont avenue, suite 108 || los altos, ca 94024 || p 650.947.8500 || f 650.947.8501
| Click here for info on PhysioFit's Pilates class schedule, pricing and information on all of the wellness programs provided at PhysioFit. |
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