Pilates is a mind/body system involving several dozen possible exercises that can be customized to accommodate an individual’s needs and abilities. 

Exercises such as “Rolling Like a Ball”, “Spine Twist”, and “the Teasers” emphasis back and torso strength and integration of the core muscles of the body.  Pilates technique has been popular with dancers and elite athletes for years, but is now gaining widespread recognition from physiotherapists, health care providers, fitness trainers and other professionals.

Pilates has been described as a “work in” rather than a “work out” because it targets the deeper core muscles in the torso, pelvis and back.  The center of the body, or the “powerhouse”, a term coined by Joseph Pilates, is the origin of our sense of purpose and direction.  Once these muscles are strong and integrated, the body can move more freely and expressively, with more confidence.

Pilates exercises strengthen the weaker parts of the body and challenge the stronger parts.  The system allows for repatterning of any muscular-skeletal imbalances which might exist as a result of injury, bad posture, or sloppy exercise patterns.  The exercises will balance flexibility and strength, reduce joint and lower back stress, and improve posture and body mechanics.

A typical Pilates lesson begins with introduction to, or reinforcement of, the five key principles:  breathing, neutral pelvis, ribcage placement, head and cervical spine position, and shoulder blade stabilization. A brief postural assessment will be conducted to identify any structural or muscular imbalances.  The majority of the time will be spent on floor exercises, tailored to the client’s needs and goals.  A “reformer”, which is an exercise machine used in Pilates, is also used.

Chris Rioux, The 9th House Pilates instructor, is an experienced dancer, athlete, yoga teacher, and trained Stott/Pilates instructor.  She gives private and semi-private Pilates classes at The 9th House.