STOTT PILATES®

STOTT PILATES®

Equilibrium specializes in STOTT PILATES® – the contemporary approach to the mind-body exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates more than 85 years ago. STOTT PILATES® is an exercise method for all bodies at all stages of life and a completely modifiable system of more than 500 exercises performed on a mat or using specialized equipment.

Our extensively trained and certified instructors offer a variety of options, but we usually recommend all Pilates clients begin with an individual training session where we can focus on you, your personal needs and your fitness goals. Check out our instructors!

Many clients continue to train privately two to three times per week, or they combine private pilates training with one of our award-winning group Reformer classes or Total Body Pilates™ a unique class developed and taught exclusively at equilibrium. Check out our schedule of fitness classes!

Check out this fun video of instructors and clients doing their favorite pilates moves.

 

Pilates Frequently Asked Questions

STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES® training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.

The benefits may include but not limited to:

  • Increased strength without unwanted bulk
  • Increased core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
  • Improved fitness levels which may help prevent injury
  • Greater ease of movement through a full range
  • Heighted body awareness and mindfulness of movement
  • Decreased impact on the joints
  • Added variety as a compliment to other forms of exercise
  • Improved performance of specific sport skills (golf, skiing, hockey, etc.)
  • Enhanced balance, coordination and circulation

Since its inception over 30 years ago, STOTT PILATES® has grown from a small studio into the world’s most respected Pilates brand. While much has changed since we first opened our doors in 1988, our mission of promoting the ongoing benefits of mind-body fitness worldwide remains a constant. Our full-service company provides all the training, equipment and ongoing support you need to build a strong and successful Pilates business. Whether your goal is to establish Pilates group exercise programs, take your personal training to the next level, set up a fully equipped studio, or train to become a certified instructor – we go the distance to help you succeed. STOTT PILATES®’ mission is to fulfill the needs of Pilates enthusiasts everywhere and that’s why we’re the number one source for everything Pilates – spanning equipment, education and media.

STOTT PILATES® incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES® exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to everyday life.

STOTT PILATES® exercise improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. The Five Basic Principles focus on:

  • Breathing
  • Pelvic placement
  • Rib cage placement
  • Scapular movement
  • Head & cervical spine placement

In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES® exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

Much of Pilates exercise requires you to look within, focus on your breathing, and feel the subtle differences within your body. Many people come to a very meditative state while doing Pilates, and therefore will grow mentally and spiritually over time through this type of exercise. By strengthening the postural muscles people have learned to maintain good posture thereby appearing taller.

You can expect an increase in strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain or other general pains.

The average active person doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and other factors such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries. It is also important to work with a well trained Certified Instructor.

Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and can be done anywhere. Adding light equipment and the larger resistance equipment will place more emphasis on your outer limbs and add variety and intensity to your program.

STOTT PILATES® exercise is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. It’s ideal in combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness etc.), and a great complement to your weight training program.

Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes) spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
STOTT PILATES® exercise is customizable for special needs in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement) STOTT PILATES® exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness Weight training and STOTT PILATES® can be combined in your fitness program and are a great compliment to each other.