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Do I need experience to attend the
classes? You do not need any
experience with Pilates but we do recommend that you attend an
orientation session before your first class. This will ensure that you
are comfortable with basic Pilates principles and that you receive the
most from the group sessions.
What
is STOTT Pilates™ ?
STOTT Pilates™ is a contemporary, anatomically-based approach to the
original method. The focus is on building strength without stress.
What are the foundations of
STOTT Pilates™ ?
STOTT Pilates™ focuses on
balancing your muscles around your joints and improving your body
through focused breathing and alignment of the core muscles.
How
often should I do Pilates
How
often you do Pilates depends on what you want to achieve – what your
goals are. For the average active person 2-3 times per week is a good
workout. A person rehabbing from an injury or a person training for
athletic performance or someone with specific medical needs may have a
different workout schedule. At our studio we try to work with the needs
and goals of each individual. However, one should keep in mind that
Pilates is a lifestyle, so the principles can and should be used in
everyday movement (walking, sitting, carrying items, driving, etc).
What do I wear to classes?
Wear something comfortable to class. It is not necessary to wear tight
clothing but avoid t-shirts/sweatshirts that are overly large; leggings,
sweatpants, shorts are all acceptable. Shoes are not worn during class;
socks, small slippers (ex: ballet), or barefoot are the norm. It is
recommended to have bands for long hair so it will not get in the way of
the exercises or caught in the equipment and it is easier to see the
lines of the body
Are your instructors certified?
Yes. Our instructors have studied with, and been trained by a certified STOTT
Training Center
Why is this better than other form of
Pilates? Pilates was developed in the 1920’s. Since that time we have
learned much about the human body and the STOTT method of Pilates
represents the changes to the moves as a result of this increased
knowledge. STOTT is an updated, anatomically based method of the
exercise.
Can I do this if I am pregnant?
Please call our director to discuss this option. As always we ask
that you rely first on your physician for advice and consent before
starting any exercise regimen
Are there any medical or physical conditions that would make
me unable to do STOTT Pilates™ ?
When beginning any new exercise program
you should consult with a physician.
Do I need to stop my other forms
of exercise while doing STOTT Pilates™ ?
Pilates is a good part of a person’s exercise regimen. If you have
other activities you enjoy
doing you should continue to do them. In fact the principles and muscle
stability you learn with Pilates can be incorporated into other
activities to get an even better workout (golf, tennis, swimming,
walking, running, weights, etc.).
What is a reformer and
what benefits does using one provide? What is a Reformer? The Reformer is
one of the larger pieces of equipment. It consists of a carriage (small
platform) that glides back and forth on rollers and uses springs for
resistance, along with other attachments for a wide variety of exercises
that can be done in a variety of positions (i.e. lying down, seated,
standing, kneeling, etc). The picture you see here (top of page) is our
Rehab-Reformer. This Reformer is higher off the ground to make it easier
to use for people with back, knee, and hip issues who may have a more
difficult time or are not able to exercise on the floor. There is also a
framework that allows for an even broader range of exercises to choose
from than the regular Reformer.
What are the benefits of working on the Reformer? As mentioned above,
this equipment is extremely versatile. It facilitates hundreds of
exercise variations, is no-impact (easy on the joints), allows for
modifications for those with injuries/conditions, allows for
three-dimensional movement/conditioning, and is suitable for a wide
variety of people (from rehab to pro athlete). A Reformer workout will
add resistance to your routine and can thus correct muscular imbalances
better than a basic mat routine would partially due to the resistance on
the in and out movement (eccentric/concentric muscle contraction) of the
exercises.
Why are springs used for resistance instead of weights?
The springs
provide gradual resistance as the muscles contract allowing the muscles
to be worked properly; greater resistance at the muscle’s strongest
point of contraction, less resistance at the initiation/completion
point. This type of resistance places less stress on the tendons and
ligaments and is therefore a safe and healthy manner in which to work
the body’s muscles.
How much resistance (in weight) do the springs provide?
For full
strength springs, there is 5lbs. in tension for the first inch of
tension, increasing by approximately 1lb. per inch thereafter. Up to
four, full tension springs and one, half tension spring can be used on a
STOTT Reformer. To get the approximate resistance in pounds multiply the
number of springs by the distance traveled. Most people keep it simple
by making a note of the number of springs used per exercise.
Will the Reformer help to increase a person’s flexibility? Absolutely,
the Reformer as well as other Stott equipment is quite helpful in
improving one’s flexibility. |
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
