Is Pilates really for every body?

Recently I've had the opportunity to talk with many of you about Pilates. It seems there are a lot of questions to answer! I'd like to take some time here, and in the upcoming weeks, to discuss what Pilates actually is and in the future,  I'll offer some posts about specific movements and their benefits.

So, is Pilates really for everyone?

Yes.

Yes!

YES!

You can do Pilates. Yes, you. And you. And you. Yes - you with the bad back. You, with the shoulder problem. You, recovering from surgery. Pregnant lady - yes. Person with weight to lose - yes. Man - yes. Young person - yes. Older person - yes. 

Yes! Yes! Yes! 

Pilates is a method of exercises where we work to strengthen and stabilize the joints and the spine. 

We work to restore the normal, healthy curves in the spine and address postural imbalances. Bad back? Pilates will help to strengthen the abdominals which support the spine. We'll also strengthen the muscles that move the spine - within your body's limitations. 

We work to promote healthy, safe, range of motion in the joints - shoulders, knees, hips and spine. Pilates is great for someone recovering from an injury. We work to strengthen the muscles that surround our joints. Allowing the joint to move to its fullest while staying safe. No, you don't need to be flexible - though Pilates will help to encourage flexibility - but if you are  flexible (hello out there gymnasts and yogis) Pilates will help you stay safe in those deep stretches and poses. 

We educate the mind and the body how to move safely and effectively. We work to unlearn some of those bad habits (hunched shoulders, slouched back... sound familiar?). 

Each movement is modifiable for all fitness levels. Really and truly. 

So, you're an athlete? Don't worry - we can find some things to work on. Athletes often rely on their areas of strength - compensating for areas of imbalance or weakness. Pilates will find those areas and improve overall performance. 

Not an athlete? Whew, me neither. Pilates can support you on your health and wellness journey. Whatever that journey looks like - wherever you are right now.

At Thrive we offer Pilates mat classes and Pilates personal training.

In Pilates mat we work through a series of movements with attention to detail. The movements are completed thoughtfully and carefully with the breath so that the correct muscles are utilized and any bad habits can be avoided. We generally visit the same movements at each class to achieve maximum understanding and benefit.

In Pilates personal training the equipment can be utilized to assist the client in a movement - allowing them to move with proper form as they develop the necessary strength.  Or the equipment can be utilized to make a movement more challenging as a client progresses.

And like everything at Thrive, our Pilates training is individualized to meet each person's needs - whether in a class or private setting.

So, yes, Pilates is for you. It is for everyone. Come give it a try!