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FAQ
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Frequently Asked
Questions
1. What is Pilates?
Pilates is a
system of controlled
exercises that engage the mind and condition of the total body. It is a
balanced
blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture,
reduces
stress and creates long, lean muscles. It works several
muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a
particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core
which is the
abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region.
The focus is on quality of movement which makes one feel
invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a
balanced
approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an
efficient, holistic system in daily activity and even in sport like
golf. Pilates exercises can
be performed on a mat or on specialized equipment such as a Reformer,
Cadillac
and Ladder Barrel.
2. What are the benefits of Pilates?
Regular
practice of Pilates will balance your body, build strong lean
muscle, and improve your posture, concentration, flexibility,
efficiency of movement, and mobility. Pilates is also used for injury
prevention and rehabilitation, as well as a treatment for such
afflictions as arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and chronic
fatigue syndrome. Expect to
feel taller, lighter and revitalized after each Pilates workout. Others
benefits are:
- Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support
the core
- Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
- Condition efficient patterns of movement
making the body less prone to injury
- Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy
through deep stretching
- Restore postural alignment
- Create a stronger, more flexible spine
- Promote recovery from strain or injury
- Increase joint range of motion
- Improve circulation
- Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
- Correct over-training of muscle groups which
can lead to stress and injury
- Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
- Improve the way your body looks
and feels
3. What age
group is Pilates for?
Pilates can
be done by people of all ages, from very young to very old.
Persons with specific medical conditions or injuries, children, or
pregnant women should find an instructor has experience with these
special populations after consulting with their doctor.
4. What's
better, mat or equipment Pilates
exercises?
Pilates can
be done either on the floor with no equipment, or with
special pieces of equipment called the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair,
Pedipull and Barrel. It's not a
matter of one being better than
another. The
fundamental Pilates workout can be performed
on a mat alone, and great results can be achieved through beginner,
intermediate and advanced moves. The exercises for the matwork
and equipment are
variations on the same movements.
A complete
and satisfying workout can involve
exercises on the mat alone or can be combined with various pieces of
specially
designed Pilates equipment. Each session can offer variety so that no
two
workouts are alike.Matwork is very popular because it
can be done anywhere without any special equipment.
5. How do I start?
You can learn
via books and videos or contact
us or click here to go the the classes
schedule, and
begin taking classes. We recommend taking some classes from an
instructor to make sure that you are using proper breathing and
alignment, which are very important in Pilates. 6. How often
should I do Pilates and when can I expect
to see results?
Try to work
out 2-4 times a week, taking a day
off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular
activity like walking, bicycling, swimming, etc… If you follow
the program, you will love the results. The key is
consistency. This kind of
regular, consistent practice will
help you make the mind-body connection and integrate the various
Pilates
principles. You should
start seeing and feeling results in
about 10 to15 sessions.
7. Can I follow this program if I’m pregnant?
There
is a lot of debate on the
subject of pregnancy and exercise in general. Generally speaking,
moderate
exercise is safe throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle
Pilates
exercises are appropriate. However, you must
check with your personal physician before doing any type of
exercise while pregnant. Be careful and always stop immediately if
there’s any discomfort. But remember to talk to your doctor first
before you start this program.
To be safe
during pregnancy, only practice
Pilates under the guidance of a professional Pilates instructor who has
been
trained to teach women in this condition.
8. Can I follow this program if I’m very
overweight (obese)? If so, when could I expect to see results?
Yes, But if
you have concerns about your health and/or are very
overweight, you should consult your doctor before you start this
program. Also, start to get aerobic exercise by walking to burn extra
calories. Begin with the Basic video and once you start to feel
comfortable and
have lost some weight, then start on the 20 Minute Workout video.
9. What is Yoga?
Yoga is a way of life which helps to control mind and helps
in developing your personality.
10. How is Yoga helpful in our day to day life?
In our day to
day life a human being is undergoing through different
kinds of Stress.
The stable mind and well tuned body can give him/her a real joy which
does not vanish like our materialistic happiness. These things can be
achieved through Yoga. Yoga can control the working of mind. It also
helps in reducing some physical and mental disorders.
11. What is the meaning of Asana?
Asana is a steady and comfortable posture/pose of body.
12. What are Do’s and Don'ts while practicing
Yoga?
Time for
practice: Actually anytime is
suitable if your stomach is empty. Considering our schedules, the time
early in the morning is most suitable for study. The evening time about
4 hours after lunch is also suitable for practice, provided no
additional food is taken in between.
Practice the sessions continuously: Do not
split the time of study in the morning and evening.
Place: The place where you are going to study
must be spacious, airy, pollution free, warm and with not
so bright lights.
13. What are the preparatory steps which are to
be followed before starting the Yoga practice?
It is essential to follow the preparatory steps before starting
with
the practice
- You have to study each asana properly before
practicing it.
- Follow the breathing instructions given to you.
- Do not hold the breath after attaining the
final posture.
- Try to follow the instructions as much as you
can without any trouble.
- Stop immediately if your muscles are overloaded
or you will suffer from severe pain anywhere in the body.
- If there is no sensation then the posture can't
be called Asana.
- Maintain the full control over the movements of
your limbs while performing asana.
- Do not loose the control as it may cause
trouble to your muscles and organs
- Any time you feel tired, practice corpse for
few minutes to relax.
- Release the asana posture if the steadiness is
lost and your muscle starts vibrating.
- As far as possible keep your eyes closed during
the practice.
- Do not practice these asanas more than once in
a day.
- Do not practice those asanas, which
are not prescribed to you.
14. Is there any age limit while
performing Yoga?
Yoga can be practiced at all ages above twelve 12 years .It
can be practiced at the age of 80, years.
But one should do only those asanas that are suitable to one’s physical
conditions.
15. Is it necessary for the user to be
religious/God fearing to practice Yoga?
Certainly not .But you should have total faith in what you
practice
otherwise it will be fruitless .If you want to practice Yoga you must
have faith in Yoga.
16. How Yoga can help in reducing stress in the
office?
Yoga helps in reducing physical, mental and emotional stress. If
you
practice Yoga everyday it can certainly help to reduce your
stress in the office.
17. Which are the diseases that can be cured by
Yoga?
Yoga can be
useful in reducing the effects of the diseases like
Hypertension, Spondilities, Asthma, Arthritis, Slipdisc, Digestive
disorders, menstrual disorders, mental disorders and sleeplessness
and many more like these.
18. How can Yoga be helpful to improve your
personality?
The physical
development as well as psychological improvement can be
obtained by Yoga. The proportionate body structure can lead
to increase your confidence. The stability of mind, increase in the
concentration of the mind can be obtained with the help of Yoga.
19. Can you reduce sleep by practicing Yoga?
Yes, being
Yoga as Relaxation Technique , the practice of it reduces
the Body’s consumption in daily routine. The sound sleep obtained
through Yoga can give peace of mind.
20. What is Yogalates?
A fusion of
yoga and pilates, "Yogalates" was invented by an Australian
woman Louise Solomon to give you the best of both techniques. Solomon
created "Yogalates" to combine the best of both. She
trademarked the name, trained instructors and put out a video. Today
Yogalates classes are offered at gyms around the country and is perfect
for home practice. It is low impact, low cost, and easy to learn.
21. Why combine yoga and pilates?
Pilates focuses on
stability, then strength and flexibility while Yoga focuses
on flexibility, then strength. Pilates helps develop a
stable core, sometimes taken for granted in yoga classes. People who
have complained about hurting themselves in a yoga class perhaps did
not have the core development to move through the various postures, or
to pull as far as they pushed. Combining the two disciplines of "yoga"
and "pilates" into "Yogalates" is ideal.
22. What are some of the differences between yoga
and pilates?
Yoga is a Eastern
energy-based spiritual practice
developed in India about 5000 years ago. It is based on a spiritual
system of moves to
unlock energy flows while increasing flexibility and toning internal
organs. Pilates is a Western philosophy developed by Joseph Pilates
in the 1920s. He designed this restorative and conditioning technique
to help people overcome injuries, postural misalignment and improve
general core weakness. It involves matwork and small concentrated moves
on machines. Pilates requires you to set a posture and then challenge
the torso by moving the limbs in a repetitious manner. Yoga moves from
one static posture to the next with no repetitions.
23. Who Is "Yogalates" Good For?
Yogalates is
good for almost everyone, but it is particularly good for
bad back pain and postnatal women because it builds strength through
the torso. It is not appropriate for pregnant women.
24. What equipment do you need to get started?
A towel or
floor mat to protect your spine from a hard surface; another
smaller towel to place under your head; and a "Dyna-Band" to replicate
the resistance of the Pilates exercise machines. Dyna-Bands can be
purchased from most sporting goods stores or physiotherapists.
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