Pilates

Q./ What is the difference between the CHIRO/PILATES Method and other pilates techniques?

A./ Unlike the original series of exercises, CHIRO/PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including up to date thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original approach, which promotes a flat back, CHIRO/PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. They also place more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to make the method safer and more effective.

Q./ What are the benefits of CHIRO/PILATES?
A./:
*longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
*improves postural problems
*increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
*helps prevent injury
*enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
*balances strength & flexibility
*heightens body awareness
*no-impact – easy on the joints
can be customized for everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
*complements other methods of exercise
*improves performance in sports (golf,tennis, skiing, skating, dance, etc.)
*improves balance, coordination & circulation

Q./ What are the principles behind CHIRO/PILATES?

A/ CHIRO/PILATES improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. It focuses specifically on:
*Proper Breathing
*Proper Pelvic placement
*Proper Rib-cage placement
*Proper Scapular movement
*Proper Head & cervical spine placement

Q./ Is PILATES like yoga?
A/ In some respects pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with CHIRO/PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness & posture.

Q./ How is CHIRO/PILATES different than weight training or other resistance exercise?

A/ Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention.
However, if weight-training is something you enjoy doing, it can be modified to incorporate basic pilates principles of proper core stabilization, breathing, and strength.
CHIRO/PILATES is customizable for special needs:
*In pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints.
*Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury.
*Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
*CHIRO/PILATES leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness.

Q./ What kind of results can I expect to see from doing CHIRO/ PILATES?

A./ You can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain/other general pains.

Q./ What kind of results can I expect to see from doing CHIRO/ PILATES?

A./ You can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain/other general pains.

Q./ How long will I have to do the workout before I see results?

A./ The average active person, doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and things such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries or contraindications.

Q./ I have a bad back. Will I be able to do pilates?

A./ That is why Dr. Yoo recommends that everyone have a full spinal & muscle assessment before starting the exercise in order to treat & prevent the root cause of your pain and determine any precautions & contraindications to your individual situation.
Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, a pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.

Q./ Will I get the same results with a mat workout as with a Reformer/equipment workout?

A./ Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A Reformer workout will add resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a mat routine would.

Q./ If I’m doing pilates, should I still do my regular workout?

A/ CHIRO/PILATES is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. In combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness, etc.),and resistance training (weights, bodyweight exercises, & resistance bands), it’s all you need. For people who reach advanced levels, they can actually elevate their heart rate with Pilates Power workouts.