pilates exercise


How does Pilates exercise benefit you?

    Every day we hear from our students about how classes at Natural Bodies Pilates
    support healthy life-style and weight management plans with:

  • Better Metabolism
  • Restful sleep
  • Improved Digestion
  • Mental Focus
  • Relief from Stress
  • Supple Muscle Tone

. . . It is a way of exercising that makes every other form of exercise even better!



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How will natural core strength make a difference?

  • Alignment and Posture:

    • Classes at Natural Bodies Pilates promote dynamic alignment of the whole body, which can be remarkably beautiful.

  • Strength:

    • Pilates exercise results in balanced strength for the entire body, promoting better alignment and ease of motion, and a healthy level of bone density.

  • Flexibility:

    • Pilates exercise is designed to restore flexibility around the spine and all of the joints, allowing for a greater range of motion with more stability.

  • Endurance:

    • Pilates exercise is practiced as a continuous sequence of movements which promote endurance and improved circulation of oxygen.

  • Weight Management

    • Regular practice of Pilates positively impacts effective weight management plans with reduced stress, better sleep, effective digestion, and increased muscle mass and metabolism

  • Stress Relief and Relaxation

    • An essential but often under emphasized principle of Pilates is Relaxation. Learning to release unnecessary tension in our bodies helps us to find ease and flow in movement and in the rest of our lives…

    Many students experience:

    • Increased mental alertness and memory
    • Improved mood, digestion, and sleep
    • Increased ability to discover creative solutions to life's challenges.
    • Overall, an improved quality of life.

    "Lucille is a skilled and motivating instructor. She works with you from the ground up as you develop your program." — C.C.


    Have You Tried Pilates?

    Today you can find Pilates DVD’s, balls, straps, gizmo’s — even the book Pilates for Dummies! You might think that those are an "easy way" to learn Pilates, but in fact they are not. Many people I talk to say they tried using a DVD and found it was too difficult, or were even injured. You can find flimsy Pilates "reformer" equipment sold on the home shopping channels, and unfortunately see television models demonstrating repetition after repetition of a select few exercises. The method of exercise is hawked as a way to shape certain parts of the anatomy, and they practically guarantee you’ll look just like the model on the screen if you buy their products.

    In the real world, one simple feature is far superior to all the DVD’s, home systems, books, and gizmo’s: a certified Pilates instructor. A skilled instructor helps you to develop control, precision, and mindfulness. A skilled instructor can adapt the exercise for your current level of strength and flexibility, and when you have developed a level of mastery, will continue to challenge you.


    What Is the Original Pilates Exercise?

    Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in the late 1800’s. His parents were physical and knowledgeable: his father was a boxer and his mother a naturopath. Joseph as a child was weak with asthma and rickets, and was bullied by the neighborhood boys. Through perseverance and study he developed his knowledge and practice of a healthful lifestyle, the result of which are the exercises we practice in the studio today. The results of his practice in his own body was proof to him that he had developed a valuable and enduring method of exercise for the body, mind, and spirit. Despite obstacles and skepticism of the public, he shared his knowledge with those who could feel the value of his exercises, and now Pilates is almost a household word.


    What is a Mat Class?

    The 55-Minute Mat class is a series of strength and flexibility exercises practiced on a mat - mostly lying or rolling on the back, side, or front of the body, with some standing exercise for balance and coordination. Sometimes we use stretch bands, light weights, or other portable equipment. Some of the exercises are similar to yoga or ballet stretches, and are more "movements" than "postures." In addition to strength and flexibility the exercise relieves stress, promotes whole body health, restores awareness, and results in a general sense of well-being.

"After a few months of classes, I have discovered a new relationship with my body and how I feel about it — and I like it!" — Carolyn Cooke

What is the Pilates Method Alliance?

The PMA promotes the evolution of Pilates by maintaining the highest standards of education and distribution of information across the industry. Membership to the PMA is open to any individual or business wishing to further their knowledge and professionalism or support within the Pilates method of exercise.

Anyone interested in the study and practice of Pilates, supports the objectives of the corporation, and is willing to contribute to the achievement of the organization's objectives is eligible to become an Individual Member of the PMA. Individual Membership Fee: $150 annually Pilates Method Alliance