What is Pilates?
Pilates focuses on building a healthy, injury-free body by encouraging controlled and concentrated movement. It centers the body with breathing awareness while maintaining dynamic spinal stabilization. Pilates is a full body-conditioning program composed of a series of approximately 500 designed movements performed on a mat and with specific apparatus.
Pilates uses equipment with spring resistance that stimulates normal muscle physiology, integrating muscle synergies. Pilates improves strength, flexibility, balance, control, breathing and muscular symmetry. The rhythmic exercises promote elongated and toned muscles, and are noted for developing abdomen, lower back and glute strength as well as promoting a strong core.
How do I start?
Regardless of whether you are a top athlete or haven’t exercised in years, The Lift Pilates instructors are particularly adept at meeting your fitness needs. The Lift Pilates offers several ways to practice Pilates: Mat classes, private and group equipment sessions. Most sessions or classes are 50 minutes.
To participate in group reformer or equipment classes, we request our clients take 2-3 private sessions to feel confident and safe on the equipment.
If I have followed a Pilates video, do I need to start as a beginner?
Yes, it’s a great idea. The good news is that Pilates videos introduce many people to Pilates. However, because there is no interactive guidance, it is difficult, if not impossible, for one to correct themselves and develop proper form which is essential to realize the true benefits of Pilates.
What is the difference between Mat and Reformer work?
When on a Reformer (a piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s), your movement and the weight of your body are supported by the smooth movements of the machine along the carriage, as well as by a system of straps for the arms and legs. During Pilates Mat sessions, you must support your body weight through the movements, making the work more difficult.
Will I see results quickly?
“You’ll feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 and have a whole new body in 30 sessions.” Most of our clients have found this to be true and see results right away. Perhaps more importantly, our clients feel better almost instantly, which keeps them coming back for more. Pilates also helps chronic back, knee and joint pain.
How many times per week should I do Pilates?
Most of our clients come two to three times per week. However, you can do Pilates everyday. There is no “day on, day off” schedule. So, if you are training for a special event or have a flexible schedule, you can do Pilates three, four or even five times a week. However, we advise that you begin a reasonable program of exercise and stick to it over time. Ideally, you should combine mat and reformer work.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable exercise clothes: yoga pants, “warm-up pants” or tights are preferred. We don’t advise loose running shorts as many exercises are done with legs elevated and open. If you prefer to exercise in running shorts, we recommend wearing compression shorts or bike shorts underneath.
Clean socks are required to exercise. We ask that you put on a clean pair before entering the studio. Masks are required in the studio and in the common areas. We strongly suggest wearing a mask during your pilates lesson.
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates is an amazing program for those who are starting or already engaged in a weight loss program. You will learn to activate and move your body safely using your muscles rather than your joints and will be better able to engage in other physical fitness activities. The Lift Pilates works to create a warm and welcoming environment.
Do men benefit from Pilates?
Remember: Pilates was created by a man and was later adapted for women! Men generally have less flexibility and a greater degree of upper body strength than women, so Pilates will help to create a longer, more agile body, as well as counter-strengthen the core and lower body. At The Lift Pilates, about 50% of our clientele are men and range in age from 16 to 85. They are current CEO’s, hockey players, attorneys, brokers, golfers, physicians, musicians, students, triathletes, men recovering from injuries or punishing exercise habits, or men who just want a better quality of life. Pilates helps to retrain and re-strengthen the body for optimum performance.
How can I pay?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, check or cash. A credit card is required to hold a reservation for a class or private. Clients are welcome to purchase packages in the studio or by calling (414) 751-8200.
Pricing is the same for in-studio and virtual sessions.