Is Pilates OK for beginners?

Yes it is safe and beneficial for beginners. You can start with basic exercises that gradually become more advanced as you become better.

What are your studios like?

The Mount Vernon studio is large and well equipped.  The Armonk studio is cozy and offers outdoor workout space for when the weather is nice.

Do I have to buy equipment?

Not necessarily. GLE has shared mats you can borrow during your session. Using all other equipment is part of your workout package. Still, you may want to buy your own floor mat, foam rollers, blocks, pinky balls and resistance bands which can be conveniently purchased in studio for your at home pilates practice.

What equipment do you have in your studios?

We currently have the Reformer, the Cadillac aka Trapeze Table, the Chair, the Magic Circle, the Arc and several props to enhance the individual’s performance.

Pilates

Pilates was developed during World War I by a British circus performer and a boxer named Joseph Pilates. After he was placed under forced internment along with other German nationals, he taught his fellow campmates the concepts and exercises he developed over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens.

He later trained hospital patients in his exercise while continually perfecting his methods. Today, Pilates is performed on a mat or specifically designed equipment and is based on six basic principles: concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow, and precision. Thus, it’s not just a workout.

Pilates training builds strong stomach and back muscles, increases joint stability and mobility, and aligns the spine to help reduce chronic pain and misalignment.

It works by engaging smaller intrinsic muscles (the stabilizers that support the bones) first, followed by larger group muscles, to lengthen the muscles and strengthen weak ones. As a result, body awareness and precise movement is created in all planes of motion.

The Good Life Experience Pilates Studio was founded on a holistic approach to fitness and mental health so that you look and feel your best.

It is the quality of movements, not that quantity that count in this exercise. This practice allows for continuous low impact, modifiable movements that are safe for people in varying populations on all levels.

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Myths about Pilates

Pilates is just for women.

Not true! Pilates was originally created by a boxer and circus performer named Joseph Pilates and was designed for men. True, more women participate in Pilates programs than men, but many male sports teams and athletes rely on Pilates exercises to improve their stamina and range of motion.

Pilates is the same as Yoga.

Pilates and Yoga have many similarities, but the main differences have to do with breathing styles, exercise technique (Pilates offers more than just mat-based work and often uses equipment), and spiritual foundation. Pilates has a higher impact than Yoga and is less spiritual in routine.

Pilates is too hard.

Even if you’re in good shape, Pilates can be challenging because it engages your deep core muscles. Cheryl is an expert in tailoring exercises to your comfort or ability level, so it will not hurt or be too difficult.

You have to spend a lot on equipment.

Actually, you don’t need any equipment to do Pilates. You may purchase your own mat at a minimum, but there are shared mats at GLE that you can use during your session at no charge. All other equipment available is part of your exercise package.

Pilates only works your core.

While Pilates does build core strength, it teaches a balance of strength and flexibility for your whole body. The more muscles you use to perform a movement, the more efficient the exercise will be.

Pilates is only for flexible people.

Flexibility is a big part of Pilates training, but you don’t have to be flexible already. All exercises can be modified or adapted to suit each individual’s flexibility level. Plus, flexibility and greater ranges of motion will be gained over time, in turn helping to alleviate chronic pain and discomfort. Strength and stability are the other big parts of Pilates training, as well as your overall mental health.

Pilates is only for young and fit people.

There are many approaches and methods to Pilates that can be right for just about everyone. Pilates is great for golfers, runners, dancers, seniors, moms to be, and people who need rehabilitation of knee injuries, back problems, hip replacements and more. Men, women and children can all benefit from Pilates training. Plus, Cheryl offers one-on-one sessions, so you don’t have to sign up for a class.

Pilates at a Glance

what pilates targets

  • Core — the main focus.
  • Arms — shoulder stability will help prevent or rehab injury.
  • Legs — your upper legs will be used to help engage your core.
  • Glutes — your glutes will help stabilize your core.
  • Back — Pilates stabilizes and strengthens your back.
  • Abs — Pilates stabilizes and strengthens your abs.

what pilates offers

  • Flexibility — Pilates boosts flexibility and joint mobility.
  • Strength — Pilates will make your muscles stronger because you use your own body weight and resistance sprung equipment.
  • Athletics — Pilates is ideal for athletes looking to supplement their training for rehab and injury prevention.
  • Low-Impact — Muscle engagement is demanding, but gentle.
  • Aerobic — Cardio exercise is not required. However, body movements are performed in all planes of motion.