About Pilates

Called the "art of control" or "Contrology" by its German-born creator, Joseph H. Pilates, Pilates is, in the most simple terms, a method of body conditioning. It consists of over 500 exercises performed on the mat and on spring-based apparatus that work to simultaneously lengthen and strengthen the muscles of the body. The method teaches the body to initiate and control all movement from the core or "powerhouse", the abdominals, buttocks, hips, lower back and inner thighs. Pilates emphasizes stretching and strengthening equally and also stresses the connection between the mind and the body. Guided by the mind's strict control, the body moves through each exercise as precisely as possible, using only the muscles the mind chooses to activate. As a result, the exercises are so efficient at conditioning the muscles that they require very few repetitions. The mind will never be bored and the body will never be overworked or injured.

Benefits

While the method's exercises focus on specific muscular needs, they all work the body as a whole too. Consequently, pilates is able to multi task. For example, it keeps the whole body in shape while rehabilitating an injury or correcting a muscular imbalance. Almost everyone could participate in and benefit from Pilates training in some form. Specific benefits are as varied as the people who do Pilates. They include, but are not limited to:

• Increased overall flexibility and strength (especially core strength)
• Better body awareness
• Improved posture and alignment
• Alleviation of joint and back pain
• Improved stamina
• Better coordination and balance
• Reshaping and slimming muscles
• Rehabilitation and prevention of injuries
• Reduction of tension
• Increased vitality

What is Available?

Mat Class:
The mat workout is the most basic element of the Pilates system and is also arguably the most challenging. In the mat work, your muscles act as their own resistance for the purpose of strengthening and stretching. The stronger you become, the more challenging the workout. The benefits you receive depend entirely on how hard you are willing to work. Mat classes are 45 minutes and have a maximum of 12 students. The certified instructor will teach at a pace appropriate to all class members, providing modifications, alternative exercises, detailed instructions and demonstrations with the introduction of each new exercise.

Tower Duets:
Call for details and pricing. 410-734-7712

Private Instruction:
Private Instruction permits the instructor to adapt the workout to fulfill the individual needs of the client. Each private session is 55 minutes and includes work on the mat and apparatus called the Reformer. Specially sequenced exercises focus on strengthening and stretching the body as a whole. The client also uses other major and minor pieces of apparatus, such as the Cadillac, the Barrels and the Wunda Chair, according to what he/she needs to improve. These pieces of apparatus are used to target certain muscle groups that require extra strengthening and/or stretching. In the private session, the student experiences the full method as it is meant to be taught, in the form of a "system". Private instruction is available from 9:00am-8:00pm daily!

Workshops:
The Pilates Center at MSBMD offers workshops that focus on various aspects of the Pilates Method or cater to different populations of Pilates students. For example, possible workshops include: Using the Magic Circle in the Pilates Mat Workout, The "Reformer-Mat", Pilates for Athletes, Pilates for Dancers, and Pilates for Seniors.

FAQ

What is the difference between Pilates mat and apparatus workouts?
The work on the mat and the apparatus complement each other. When Pilates is taught one-on-one (the ideal way), the instructor typically incorporates work in both locations. The apparatus is designed to assist in the development of the strength and flexibility required to perfect the mat work. Generally speaking, the apparatus uses springs of various strengths that, depending upon the exercise, either act as resistance or work as an extra muscle. Private apparatus sessions allow the instructor to cater tot he individual needs of the client. When performing the mat work, however, your body creates the resistance.

Which should I do?
Your physical health, personal goals and financial reality should be factors in your decision. If you have very sensitive injuries, a chronic health condition that has kept you from doing other forms of exercise or extreme difficulty in lowering yourself to the floor, the best bet would probably be Private Instruction. Someone looking for a lot of personal attention and fast results would also likely prefer Private Instruction. Mat classes are best for those who like to work out in a group setting and are fairly healthy/uninjured. Mat Classes are also the least expensive way to get good Pilates instruction. Many clients choose to do a combination of Private Instruction and Mat Classes doing Pilates 2-3 times per week. Doing both will maximize your results.

How often should I do Pilates?
While Pilates is ideally done at least 3 times per week, most people feel the benefits from even 1 workout a week. As you become more proficient with the sequence of exercises, you can easily supplement classes with mat workouts at home! You can even purchase a CD from Laura that will guide you through the workout when home!

Who can do Pilates?
Perhaps the best aspect of Pilates is that nearly anyone can do it, progress in it and benefit from it. It is a highly adaptable form of exercise. Men and women -- from teenagers to senior citizens, couch potatoes to athletes -- will find the Pilates workout challenging and satisfying.

Why choose The Pilates Center at MSBMD?
Now that courts have allowed the term "Pilates" to enter the public domain, anyone can use the term to describe or promote a workout, and call him/herself a Pilates instructor -- even without any training. All instructors at MSBMD are certified in the authentic method of Pilates body conditioning. We have a fully equipped studio. The pieces of apparatus that the Pilates Center purchased are from the same vendor that the master instructors utilize in NY. This guarantees the authenticity of the equipment. At MSBMD you will receive Pilates instruction in its purest form. We teach Pilates the Joseph Pilates way -- no gimmicks.