Pilates is a series of exercises practiced on a mat or apparatus. Pilates is uniquely accessible and beneficial to all levels of physicality. Pilates is more than posture and movement. There is a mind-body component and almost a mentality that comes from practicing pilates. We work with focus, breath, etc. Pilates, Yoga and Core Align are ideal ways to cross train for other activities and support our physical endeavors in other aspects of life.
Pilates can be useful for both fitness and rehabilitation goals, including:
Isolate something to work on
create equal strength or mobility
strengthen weak joints, muscles and tendons
stretch/lengthen tight muscles
stabilize or mobilize joints
change posture
change mechanics
address imbalances
pilates mat:
Aimee's pilates mat classes strengthen the core through an inclusive full body workout including traditional and contemporary Pilates exercises. Mat students will work to incorporate the breath, increase flexibility, and throughly access, engage, and strengthen the complete core (transverse abdominals, oblique abdominals, back muscles, etc) while stabilizing the pelvis throughout all work. Group classes are modified depending on who is in class and options are offered as necessary to ensure that all students have a challenging yet safe experience.
pilates apparatus:
Pilates apparatus training is available in group circuit classes, trios, duets, and personal training. One-on-one training is tailored to the needs and goals of the individual, and can include Mat, Apparatus, and other modalities from Aimee's repertoire. The Pilates apparatus, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, are invaluable for: accessing hard to reach muscles in the body, increasing both strength and flexibility, training therapeutically to heal injuries, changing an imbalance in the body, and facilitating a challenging fitness workout.
CoreAlign:
CoreAlign is useful for gait training and balance, and allows imbalances and compensations to be observed and addressed. CoreAlign could be considered similar to movement on the Pilates reformer taken to standing upright in space.
iyengar yoga plus:
In practicing Iyengar yoga, we begin to spend time holding the yoga asanas to develop correct alignment and stamina. Iyengar yoga is uniquely accessible to people of all fitness levels because B.K.S. Iyengar developed the use of props (such as blocks and blankets) to allow even students who are healing injuries to practice yoga. Iyengar yoga classes can consist of sun salutations, standing poses, balance postures, seated poses, forward bends, twists, restorative postures, and in advanced classes, backbends, headstand and shoulder stand.
In recent years Aimee's personal practice has included Vinyasa and flow yoga, which she sometimes incorporates into classes as appropriate.