FAQs
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING THIS TYPE OF TRAINING?
STOTT PILATES equipment is highly versatile. It facilitates hundreds of exercise variations, is non-impact (and therefore easier on the joints), allows for modifications for those with injuries or conditions, allows for three dimensional movement and conditioning and is suitable for a wide variety of clients (from rehab to pro athlete). It also facilitates balanced strength and flexibility, provides eccentric and concentric muscle contraction (resistance on the in and out moves), total muscular-skeletal conditioning (muscle and postural alignment) and facilitates core conditioning and peripheral mobility.
IS PILATES LIKE YOGA?
In some respects Pilates is similar; however, Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next. Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic, and anatomically-based. The specialized resistance equipment, designed around the Pilates' moves, enables challenge beyond what "floor exercises" alone can do.
WHY ARE SPRINGS USED INSTEAD OF WEIGHTS?
By using springs for resistance, STOTT PILATES equipment provides gradual resistance as a person's muscles contract, which ensures proper muscle usage/recruitment. There is greater resistance at the muscle's strongest point of contraction while offering less resistance on the initiation and completion of the contraction. This element causes less stress on tendons and ligaments.
HOW MUCH RESISTANCE (IN WEIGHT) DO THE SPRINGS HAVE?
Initial tension is 5 pounds for the first inch of tension (for full strength springs), and then increase by approximately 1 pound per inch. Multiply the number of springs and distanced traveled to get the approximate tension in pounds. On a STOTT PILATES Reformer, 4 springs are full tension and the remainder are partial. Each pilates equipment manufacturer is different (commercial grade being vastly different that home equipment). EDGE PILATES STUDIO uses STOTT PILATES equipment and some Balanced Body pieces. The top companies in the world are considered to be STOTT PILATES, Balanced Body, Gratz and Peak.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PILATES CLASS ON THE MAT AS OPPOSED TO EQUIPMENT; OR, EVEN PERSONAL INSTRUCTION FOR BOTH MAT AND EQUIPMENT, AS OPPOSED TO A LARGE CLASS?
Pilates mat classes, as well as large Reformer classes, are convenient and wide-spread (depending on the area where a person lives). And, there are quite a few amazing, certified, seasoned, observant instructors out there; however, that being said, often classes are too large to closely watch each individual -even for a good instructor- or, worse yet, a non-certified "instructor" teaching. Personal instruction eliminates this issue, focuses on the execution of perfect form, and maintains intensity and/or specificity. Movements are executed with intent and precision, instead of "flowing" with a large class; thereby maximizing the benefits derived. Negative or compensation patterns can be spotted in a one -on-one or duet environment. Even Mat Pilates compared to Equipment- based Pilates can be substantially different.
DO I NEED TO BE THE SAME STRENGTH, ABILITY, AND FLEXIBILITY AS THE OTHER PERSON I WANT TO DO A DUET WITH?
Each person in the duet is still trained to their ability on a setting that is appropriate for that individual. Programming usually is similar, but sometimes exercises may be changed for one person while the other does a different version or body part. However, it is best to pair with someone who is not vastly different.
WHEN CAN I START?
NOW! We look forward to seeing you soon.