Category: Pilates

At Zero Gravity Fitness in Ocoee, we offer some of the top Pilates programs in Florida for our clients, from beginners to those who have practiced Pilates for decades. Contact Zero Gravity today to learn more.

Many newcomers to Pilates may not know about its founder and how he developed the exercise program that bears his name.

Colorado-based Pilates expert Marguerite Ogle recently wrote about Joseph Pilates for www.about.com.

So here is a little Pilates history!

Joseph Pilates, a German native, was living in England and earning a living as a performer with the circus, and as a boxer. He was sent to an internment camp in England when World War I broke out. While there, he started creating floor exercises that eventually became the now-familiar Pilates mat work.

Joseph Pilates worked to help rehabilitate detainees who were sick and injured. With no exercise equipment to work with, Pilates used bed springs and any other items he could find as resistance exercise equipment for those he worked with. These odd items were the predecessors of equipment many Pilates practitioners use today, such as the reformer.

Unhealthy while growing up, Joseph Pilates became interested in self-improvement. He was drawn to Eastern practices, Zen Buddhism – and deeply inspired by the Greek ideal of the man perfected through the development of his body, mind and spirit. Pilates also studied anatomy and worked to become a multi-faceted athlete, throwing himself into wrestling, gymnastics, boxing, skiing, body building and even diving.

After World War I, Pilates returned for a time to Germany. He worked for the Hamburg Military Police, focusing on self-defense and physical fitness training.

In 1925, he left Germany on a voyage to New York City. On the way to America, he met Clara, a nurse whom he would eventually marry. He opened a studio in New York, and along with Clara, worked to develop the Pilates method of exercise, which included Pilates equipment. He began to work with students to share his knowledge.

Pilates would teach in New York for four decades, beginning in 1926 and ending in 1966.

He trained students who made his work part of their own lives, and who later taught the Pilates method to others. This first group of teachers who trained under Joseph Pilates became known as the Pilates Elders.

Some taught Joseph Pilates’ method just as he did. The approach became known as classical style Pilates. Some of his other students combined what they learned with their own research.

Joseph Pilates’ New York studio exposed his work to the city’s thriving dance community. Many well-known dancers relied on Pilates training for strength and grace.

Pilates died in 1967, but what a life he lived! He maintained his physique all through his life and remained in top condition, even into his 80s.

Pilates also enjoyed a good time. He enjoyed cigars and a good party. Pilates often wore his exercise briefs as he walked the streets of New York.

Clara Pilates continued teaching and running her husband’s studio for another decade after Joseph Pilates died.

Today, Pilates is practiced by people around the world. Old Joseph likely would have been pleased.

Getting older doesn’t mean you need to stop exercising – in fact the opposite is true.

Exercise is key to remaining healthy and active as we age, and Pilates is a great exercise program for older adults. At Zero Gravity Fitness in Ocoee, we offer a variety of Pilates and other fitness and training programs. Contact us today to learn more.

The publication Mature Resources recently reported on how older adults are turning to Pilates to keep their bodies and minds as fit as possible.

Why Pilates?

Pilates is a great exercise for older adults because it’s low impact, which means it’s easier on the joints, which can be problematic areas for many older people who exercise. Pilates also helps people focus on proper breathing and movement, rather than repetitive movements.

Traditional workouts often focus on the number of repetitions you can do and the amount of weight you can lift. This approach can lead to muscle bulk, but that can lead to an increased risk of muscle injury, especially in older folks.

Pilates focuses on the body’s core while elongating and strengthening muscles. This improves mobility and elasticity of the joints. It’s a solid fitness approach – but one that is much easier on the aging body, which often is not as well equipped to handle more rigorous exercise routines.

Pilates is great for older adults because it addresses all the body’s muscle groups – weak and strong. And the stronger and more flexible you become, the less likely you are to fall – a major concern for older people, especially those who live by themselves.

Pilates also can improve posture while you walk, your balance and your gait speed.

As we get older, we often stress our hip flexors when we walk. When this occurs, falls can happen. Pilates promotes strong abdominal muscles that are essential for the body to function as a single unit.

Every movement, including walking, should be started by stabilizing the body’s core, which calls for contracting stomach muscles.

The goal is to align your body so your spine is stable and abdominal muscles become engaged. Limbs should be active, feet mobile and breathing conscious and regular. This approach will help you gain a more relaxed and fluid gait while you walk. Your speed also should improve.

Many older people walk by taking narrow and constricted steps as they propel themselves forward. Reaching and stretching forward is the better way to walk, and Pilates can help older adults improve their gait.

Pilates workouts can be tailored for older people. At Zero Gravity Fitness, we work with clients individually to ensure their Pilates and other workouts are the right ones for them.

Modifications for older adults can be made as well. Using pillows to support your head when lying on your back is an option, as is using a pillow under your pelvis when lying on your stomach to ease neck and back pain.

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to quit working out. But you may want to change your approach and give Pilates a try. It’s never too late to start!

You’ve heard about Pilates, and you are ready to give it a try.  The next step is an important one.  Choosing the right Pilates studio can make or break your experience.

When entering into any exercise program, the experience and quality of the training is of the utmost importance.  Because of the unique nature of Pilates, and the lack of oversight in the industry, it is extremely important that new students research potential studios before making a decision on the perfect fit for their individual needs.

The following tips for choosing a studio should help you get started on the right path:

How long has the studio been in business?  Experience matters.  A well-established studio means repeat clientele and a solid reputation.  Before paying for services, review the business’s history and read testimonials.

Is the studio equipped with all of the equipment necessary for the complete Pilates experience?  Pilates is a very complex form of exercise that requires specialized equipment.  Beware of studios that cut corners by offering limited services.

Is the studio sanitary? Tour the studio before committing.  The environment should be clean and well maintained.  Pilates is usually done barefoot and equipment is shared throughout the day.  Make sure the studio has a strong focus on cleanliness.

How comprehensive is the instructor training?  Be sure to ask if the instructors are certified on all of the equipment. Each piece of equipment offers unique exercises that are chosen for the individual client’s needs. Instructors should be proficient in the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels.  A respectable studio will be willing to give the name of the program that each instructor has attended.  There are many certifications out there, but few are considered reputable within the industry.

What are the studio’s requirements for joining a group setting?  If the studio is looking out for your benefit, and not a quick sale, they should require at least one introductory session before allowing students to join a group setting.  Making sure students are adequately prepared for a group shows responsible instruction and professional integrity.

Is the consent form and questionnaire in depth enough to highlight a client’s potential needs?  It is essential that the instructor is aware of any conditions or injuries a student may have.  Improper programming can lead to injury.

Does the studio’s schedule work with your schedule?  If making appointments or scheduling classes becomes difficult, chances are you will not be consistent.  Make sure to choose a studio that fits your scheduling needs.

Finally, trust your instincts.  After visiting a studio and talking with instructors, you should feel at ease and excited about getting on your way to wellness!