Frequently asked Pilates questions
Welcome to the amazing method of Contrology.
01
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a total body conditioning program founded by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s. His influences to create this unique mind-body exercise came from his studies of gymnastics, boxing, skiing, diving, yoga, zen and other Eastern disciplines.
During WWI, he taught his method to fellow internees in a British Prison Camp. As many of them were war veterans and bedridden from being seriously wounded, he experimented attaching springs to hospital beds which allowed patients to start applying movement and resistance to their muscles which seemed to speed up their recovery time.
In 1926 Joseph emigrated to New York where he began teaching his method to elite dancers, actors, gymnasts and other artists, all keen to learn from him. Joe continued to develop his method throughout his lifetime. He passed away in 1967 at the age of 84. He could still perform all his Pilates exercises until the day he died.
02
03
I've never done Pilates. Can I start with a group Pilates class?
White House Pilates highly recommends that you first lesson be a Pilates private. This will introduce you to the Pilates Reformer, give you and the Pilates instructor an idea of where your body's strengths and weaknesses lie, and provide the attention needed to formulate your Pilates goals.
Starting out with private Pilates sessions is the best way to ensure the correct execution of the exercises, prevent possible injury, and boost your results. After your private session(s) you will be more comfortable with the principles and philosophy of Pilates, and you and your Pilates teacher will decide how you should proceed from there.
How often should I Do Pilates? & When will I see results?
2-3 times a week is ideal. Like any form of exercise, consistency is key, and it is helpful to not let too much time pass in order to remember the previous Pilates lesson and incorporate the information in your body.
You will be happy with how you look and feel after just a Pilates sessions. It is also great to combine Pilates private lessons with duets and/or classes during the course of a week. Most clients see dramatic results in about 6-8 weeks with 2-4 visits per week. You can speed up results by adding cardiovascular exercise, with our Pilates Jump Board classes, and adapting healthy eating habits.
04
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Develop Your Core Strength
Speed Up Your Metabolism
Strengthen Your Muscles
Improve Your Posture
Increase Your Flexibility and Range of Motion
Enhance Your Sports Performance
Maintain Your Proper Biomechanical Alignment
Overcome Your Body's Muscular Imbalances
Decrease Your Chance of Injury
Condition Your Body Before and After Childbirth
Tone Up Your Entire Body
Challenge Your Balance
Feel Your Absolute Best!
05
Why should I try Pilates?
Pilates is three-dimensional, meaning it uses all planes of motion. To maintain a healthy spine you need to move your back in all planes of direction everyday. Spring resistance is ideal, rather than weight training, because it closely resembles the way muscles contract with a greater emphasis on the concentric/eccentric contractions. Pilates focuses on rebalancing muscles around the joints, it corrects imbalances and over-trained muscles that commonly lead to injuries.
Your workout with us is customizable for your specific needs. By balancing strength with flexibility Pilates will lead to an improvement in your posture and body awareness.
Even if you have tried Pilates before- at home with a video, at the gym in a mat class, or at another studio- try Pilates with us!
We are confident that you will leave feeling refreshed, sweaty, challenged, stretched and strengthened.