Ten Things to Know About Pilates ~ from SDK Pilates

Ten Things to Know About Pilates

Mar 09, 2016 by stephanie Category: Athletic Conditioning, Pilates for Every Body, Restorative Health 0 comments Tags: athletic performance, pilates in baltimore, Post-rehabilitation, restorative health

1. You don’t need to be in shape to start.

It works for every body. In fact, it’s a great way for individuals with serious physical limitations to get the best out of their exercise program. Pilates runs the gamut of meeting the needs of all individuals from professional athletes (Tiger does it!) to weekend warriors (stay injury free) to those requiring post-rehabilitation (feel better).

2. Your body will thank you.

Pilates makes you feel great and oh by the way you will look better too. A balanced approach to stretching and strengthening leaves your body feeling lighter & longer. Pilates improves your posture and the range of motion around your joints allowing you to move more freely and easily.

3. Say bye-bye to aches and pains.

OK that’s an oversell. Our every day lives set us up for aches and pains. We are bent over a computer or driving a car many hours of the day. We rarely move our shoulders and hips through a full range of motion. The back is the beast of burden for most of us instead of a strong core. Pilates counteracts all these affects and helps relieve the stresses every day life has on your body.

4. Got game-get Pilates.

If you play a sport seriously, Pilates will help keep you in the game. Most sports cause physical stress from repeated motions that aren’t “balanced”. Think golf. You only swing in one direction. Pilates helps lengthen, strengthen & balance opposing muscle groups to prevent overuse injuries.

5. It’s not just for girls.

Yes we get it. Walking into a Studio with a bunch of spandex clad ladies working on strange equipment can be daunting. Pretty much how we girls feel in the weight room the first time. But getting strong feels good. So does Pilates. You can always do private appointments to get started.

6. You work up a sweat.

Not buckets and it isn’t like a Spin class but you feel like you have had a work out by the end. Pilates exercises run from beginner to advanced. If you like “power”, work your way to more advanced exercises.

7. It’s perfect for small groups.

One of the hot trends in exercise is small group training. Because of the complexity of Pilates equipment, classes are generally small (4-6). Instructors can give you personal attention to correct your form or provide modifications when necessary.

8. Good Instructors are hard to find.

Quality Pilates training is lengthy, somewhat expensive and in-depth. A working knowledge of anatomy is required. Look for Instructors that are certified by reputable organizations.

9. Strengthens core and more.

Pilates works the whole body. The “core”-shoulder girdle, hip girdle and abdominals-are targeted but Pilates includes resistance training for the extremities as well. Low load exercises focus on small support muscles like the rotator cuff; high load exercises work the large muscle groups.

10. You still need cardio.

Pilates should be part of a well-balanced wellness program that includes a MindBody component, cardiovascular exercise, strength training and nutrition.

“SDK Pilates’ yoga instructors are beyond wonderful and very reliable. Our community and hospital staff truly enjoy the classes and we are extremely thankful for their partnership with us.”

Erin, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

I have taken yoga and Pilates classes from Stephanie for many years, and I can say that she is terrific. Her background in physical medicine and rehab makes her uniquely qualified to instruct and coach with a focus in balanced strengthening, proper alignment, and prevention of injury. I enjoy the low key environment at the studio, and have made many friends in her classes.

-beth

Stephanie’s class is well-paced, challenging yet welcoming for first timers and those who are more experienced. She offers seamless coaching throughout and her enthusiasm and energy is inspirational.

-mary o

Pilates has been a wonderful experience both physically and mentally – it relieves stress and gets your body in a “can do” spirit to stretch and feel good. The instructors are the best and the people I’ve met in class are fun to be with. Friendships develop. I will do this forever!

-bobbie

I have been a client of Stephanie’s for several years. What I think makes her stand out from other studios is that she was a doctor & understands each individual clients bodies. The new studio is airy spacious & calming

-edie

I love the classes and instructors at SDK Pilates! Stephanie, the owner, has been a tremendous help to me with understanding challenges I face with a bad hip. Her expertise and medical background have helped me select exercises that are appropriate for me and I have learned there are still plenty of things that I can do to strengthen my body! At other places, I sometimes overdid my workouts (and hurt myself) – SDK’s instructors have helped me increase my flexibility and strengthen my body in a s…

-colleen

My experience with SDK Pilates has been outstanding. All of the instructors have been knowledgeable and welcoming. All levels of fitness and capabilities are embraced, addressed and challenged. Individual needs are seamlessly met with in the class. Every class is different and I always walk out feeling better than when I walked in. I take Pilates twice a week and wish I could take it every day!

-mary

SDK Pilates is wonderful! I have been taking classes from Stephanie for a number of years and thoroughly enjoy both her Pilates and therapeutic yoga sessions. Her training as a doctor enables her to work around physical limitations and injuries and strengthen weaknesses. She has helped me immensely with chronic shoulder issues. The fun nature of the classes, the camaraderie of the attendees and the great workout make SDK classes my favorite way to exercise!

-nancy

“Sandi and Elaine have the ability to deliver a class that meets the needs of all attendees in the class, even when there is different levels of experience.

They have a great manner of presenting poses and ensure good form for a safe and enjoyable Yoga class.”

Chris, Elkridge Country Club

SDK Pilates is great! So far I’ve taken Pilates classes with Steph and Nancy, and I’m looking forward to Yoga with Mark. Currently working on core strengthening, shoulder mechanics, overall conditioning, and my golf game.

-boz