Bone health depends on how bones are loaded, not just how much we move. Weighted vests may increase effort but often don’t provide enough stimulus to build new bone. Strength training remains the most effective approach. That said, long-term Pilates participation may still positively influence bone density for individuals who don’t feel safe or comfortable with traditional lifting.

After a “brief” hiatus, we are back to wrap up this series on the “why’s” of Pilates, finishing with... Performance. Pilates is a movement retraining system and has sport-specific applications for improving motor control and mobility. If you are a golfer, you might spend time on asymmetrical, crossbody movements that target rib and pelvic synchrony and dissociation to improve trunk control during your swing. If you are an Olympic weightlifter, you might practice slow, control

Many people have the perception that only tall, slender folks participate in Pilates. But often this image is perpetuated by… 4. Postural Corrections …that develop from practicing Pilates. When clients tell me that their primary goal for their Pilates practice is weight loss, I have to be honest and explain that Pilates is probably not the most direct route to decreasing body mass. Building lean muscle mass through resistance or weight training and aerobic exercises may be mo

We talked about using Pilates for the purposes of rehabilitation, but what other reasons are there to practice Pilates? How about… 2. Fitness Pilates can be applied in a fitness context for individuals looking for a form of exercise to increase endurance, strength, and mobility. Pilates may become the primary form of physical activity for some people and that is wonderful! There are plenty of exercises and flows in Pilates for advanced movers to strive toward and polish for a

What do you think when you hear the word “Pilates?” In my time teaching Pilates and working with patients as a physical therapist, I have been exposed to so many different perceptions of Pilates. In fact, many of the beliefs regarding Pilates from people who have never tried it before have led me to believe that Pilates needs to hire a new PR representative. I, myself, held some of these notions before practicing Pilates and then completing my instructor training. Thoughts li