Have you heard about Pilates but are still a bit confused about what it is?
If so, you are not alone! Pilates has been around for over 100 years, but it has only been in the last 20 that it has gained popularity among the general population.
Originally, Pilates was invented to treat soldiers and professional dancers as a form of rehab. Slowly more professional athletes and then amateurs began to do Pilates — and the results were astounding!
The Paseo Club has served the Santa Clarita Valley for over 20 years, offering tennis, pickleball, swimming, fitness and Pilates classes. With intro, intermediate, and advanced classes offered all week, there are Pilates classes for people of all levels.
In this article, you will learn what pilates is, its benefits, what the basics of Pilates are, and what to expect in your first class.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates who was born in 1880 near Dusseldorf, Germany. As a child he was sickly, but he overcame his health issues to become a boxer, diver, skier, self-defense instructor, and circus acrobat.
During WWI, Pilates was interned by the British where he worked as a nurse, caring for injured soldiers. It is there that he developed the body-conditioning system, later known as Pilates.
Pilates is a low-impact resistance exercise that focuses on core strength, controlled breathing, and joint mobilization. The majority of the movements are done on an “apparatus” commonly known as the reformer. This reformer is a mattress-like piece of equipment that is outfitted with strings, straps, and a foot bar to train on.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Everyone can benefit from doing Pilates — young and old, athletes and weekend warriors, the super fit and those new to exercise.
- Build Strength
Pilates uses bodyweight, straps, springs, and other forms of equipment to help you get stronger throughout your entire body.
- Increases Mobility
Pilates works to increase the range of motion in all joints. This allows for more mobility and less overall stiffness and tension.
- Toned Physique
People who do Pilates consistently develop a leaner and more toned body. Pilates helps you to burn fat and build muscle, making you more trim and lean.
- Less Pain
Whether you are an athlete struggling with muscle fatigue, a person rehabbing an injury, or simply getting older and more stiff, Pilates can help you have less pain and more relaxed movement.
- More Stability
Since pilates requires so much core strength, you develop even better balance and stability. This is crucial as you age, minimizing falls and fractures.
- Improves Athletic Performance
Athletes who do Pilates have better outcomes in their sport of choice. Scientists have researched this with soccer players, swimmers, runners, and others. - Improves Mental Health
Pilates is a form of mind-body movement that can reduce stress and relieve feelings of depression.
What are the basics of Pilates?
When you walk into a Pilates studio, the first thing you will notice are the Pilates reformer machines. They may look strange and intimidating at first glance, but soon they will be your favorite piece of fitness equipment.
In many ways, Pilates is the opposite of HIIT. It is not high-impact and class does not move quickly. Pilates emphasizes slow, controlled movement with every step originating from your “powerhouse,” your core.
What can you expect in your first Pilates class?
Pilates classes generally fall into two categories, mat and reformer.
Mat is less common, although still quite effective. Mat Pilates is performed on a yoga mat on the floor. Occasionally additional equipment is used, such as balls, rings, and/or resistance bands.
Most Pilates classes are reformer classes. Reformers look like narrow rectangular beds with a bar across one end and straps on the other. These apparatus have a movable table in the center that slides back and forth to help you perform the movements taught in class.
Some of the most common movements you will learn in a reformer Pilates class are lunges, side stretches, chest opening and back strengthening movements, and many, many core strengthening exercises.
Each class will vary slightly in style and movements. If you are new to Pilates, it is ideal to take an intro class or sign up for a few private classes so you can learn the basics.
Get ready for Pilates class in 6 Steps
When you are ready to begin attending Pilates classes, there are a couple things you can do to have a great experience.
- Select an intro class so you will be with other newbies
- Choose a class that is taught by an experienced, certified instructor
- Reserve a place in class in advance to secure your spot
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early to introduce yourself to your instructor and let them know of your experience and any pre-existing injuries.
- Wear form fitting clothing made from stretchy fabric
- Bring your water bottle and a small towel
Come to Pilates class at The Paseo Club
If you are in the Santa Clarita area, then you are in luck! The Paseo Club has a beautiful light-filled Pilates studio for reformer classes and a second room for mat Pilates.
Mat Pilates is taught three times per week. Reformer Pilates classes are taught every day of the week. You can choose intro, beginner, all levels, intermediate, and advanced level classes. Private sessions are also available with one of the amazing certified instructors.
When you are a member of The Paseo Club, you get access to all eight acres of the club. This includes tennis and pickleball courts, pool, fitness classes, gym areas, executive locker rooms, and more!
Do you want to learn more? Schedule a tour of The Paseo Club and meet members and staff. If you are ready to be a member today, then simply sign up online! The Paseo Club is your home away from home. We can’t wait to see you!
