MOVE Wellness Studios in Ann Arbor specializes in Pilates, a whole-body exercise method that was created by Joseph Pilates more than 85 years ago. Pilates is suitable for all bodies at every stage of life. Our in-studio trainers will teach you how to do Pilates both on the mat and on spring-based resistance equipment, designed by Pilates himself, including the Cadillac, the Reformer, and Chair and Barrels. Our livestream pilates classes are mat-based and leveled from Gentle to Advanced.

PILATES

You can experience the wisdom and depth of this system in private training, small group classes and livestream classes. These formats are customized to focus on your unique needs and goals. MOVE’s Pilates instructors work with clients of all ages, levels, and abilities whether you are new to fitness, an elite athlete, pre- or postnatal, recovering from injury, or simply seeking a new challenge. Whatever your conditioning goal, Pilates is an efficient, effective, and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension.

Our Ann Arbor studio offers in-person private sessions and small group training with a customized program. Pilates classes are also available online through our Livestream Class Membership, which gives you unlimited access to 30+ interactive livestream classes each week.

Benefits of Pilates

Increased strength without unwanted bulk
Increased core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
Improved fitness levels which may help prevent injury plus greater ease of movement through a full range
Heightened body awareness and mindfulness of movement
Helps build strength, flexibility, and a balanced system, while also relieving stress.
Offers rehabilitative exercise post-therapy so that you avoid re-injury.
Relieves low back pain and the postural effects of sitting.
Is a safe weight-bearing exercise that can mitigate symptoms of osteoporosis/osteopenia.
Neurological issues, such as Parkinson’s and MS, are greatly improved by the mind body focus and concentration and coordination of Pilates exercises.
Pre and postnatal Pilates exercises prepare your body for childbirth and can prevent common delivery issues.
There is mounting research that Pilates indeed supports a number of pathologies, postural issues and is an effective method for whole body strengthening.

MOVE Wellness private sessions, small group sessions, and livestream classes give you the ability to work with others at a similar level and enjoy camaraderie and accountability.

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Joseph Pilates said about the effects of his method, “10 sessions – feel the difference, 20 sessions – see the difference, 30 sessions – have a whole new body.”

Pilates Private Sessions

Our trainers will use their expertise to create a customized Pilates-based fitness program for you. No two bodies are the same, and our aim is to work with each client as an individual with unique needs and goals. MOVE’s trainers will help you understand your body so that you can be fit, strong and empowered – and prevent injuries. And if needed, we are happy to work as part of a care team with your medical providers.

Working with a trainer in a private session has many benefits. Your MOVE trainer will:

Take you through a customized workout to help you achieve your fitness goals
Ensure that you’re training correctly and maximizing your workout
Provide support, motivation, and accountability
Help you improve mobility, flexibility, strength and endurance so that you can enjoy doing more of the things you love
Help you recover from injury and safely transition from a physical therapy program

Small Group Pilates Classes

With our small group classes you’ll have the format of a group class with the perks of a small class size. As a small group training member, you can choose the number of sessions you would like to attend each week. For these sessions, your trainer will use Pilates equipment, including the Pilates Reformer and Chair, to help teach the principles of the method at a level appropriate for your group. We will help you choose Pilates classes that will challenge you safely and allow you to receive the maximum benefit.

To learn more about our classes and pricing options, click the button below:

PILATES CLASS INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise system developed by boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. While the exercises in this system work out the full body, there is a focus on breathing well and engaging the core muscles to support balanced and efficient movement.

Is Pilates only focused on the core?

No. Pilates strengthens and lengthens the entire body; however, a focus of the exercise is to keep the core stable and strong. A key benefit of Pilates is that it focuses on individual postural issues and helps each person unravel their own unique muscular imbalances to create a healthy body.

What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?

Both Pilates and Yoga are mind-body practices that build long, lean muscles. There are some key differences though:

Yoga is rooted in a spiritual, meditative practice, and many contemporary yoga classes choose to bring the power of intention to the mat
While you won’t be asked to connect with your chakras in Pilates, you will be learning about your muscle groups in detail. Pilates puts emphasis on using the deep abs and pelvic floor muscles while the limbs move three-dimensionally in space. While there are some aspects of yoga that are similar, there’s far more of an anatomical approach to Pilates when compared with the yoga

What is the difference between Pilates and Gyrokinesis methods?

Click here to learn about the key differences between Pilates and Gyrokinesis classes.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates helps to create long, lean, fit bodies. There are many ways that doing Pilates supports weight loss, but it is also recommended that clients eat a healthy diet and incorporate some form of high-intensity interval or other cardiovascular training to boost metabolism. MOVE Wellness Studios offers Wellness Coaching that can help you create a realistic plan and achieve your goals to be your best self in the world.

Do I wear shoes for Pilates?

No. Pilates is done without shoes on. In fact, we recommend that you practice in bare feet to ensure you don’t slip on the floor or mats. If you wish to wear socks, we recommend that you wear socks with grippers on the bottom. You can purchase them in our boutique

What is the difference between working out on the specialized equipment vs. working out on the mat?

Mat classes tend to focus on core work and require you to support the stabilization of your body. Pilates equipment, like the Cadillac, Reformer, or Chair, gives you a frame to work within that is often more helpful than mat but can be more challenging when springs are added or taken away. Working on the equipment can also target and tone specific areas of your body very efficiently.

How do I become a Pilates Instructor?

In order to become a Pilates instructor you should first gain as much experience as possible doing the exercises. Next, you should talk to Pilates professionals and find a way to enroll in and then complete a Pilates teacher training course. As you train, or soon after you finish, you should look for opportunities to begin teaching. Finally, you should prepare for and take a recognized certification exam such as the Pilates Method Alliance’s NPCP exam.

What do the Cadillac and Reformer look like and do for the body?

The Cadillac

The Cadillac offers an extensive range of exercises (more than 200, in fact) for everyone from post-rehab clients to athletes, providing the perfect place to practice multi-planar strength and flexibility movements. This versatile piece of equipment features a variety of spring lengths and tensions, as well as multiple spring attachment sites providing different levels of resistance to support or challenge the body. This allows arms and legs to be worked independently ensuring muscle balance in the upper and lower body as well as stability through the core.

The Reformer

The Reformer has a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame.

Body weight and resistance of the springs are what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. Reformers parts are adjustable for differing body sizes and for differing levels of skill.

Exercises can be done lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, perched on the footbar, perched on the shoulder blocks, with additional equipment, upside down, sideways and all kinds of variations thereof. In other words, the reformer can train many parts and dynamics of the body in so many different ways with just one relatively sleek piece of equipment.

What is involved in an initial private session? Is it just a consultation, or will I get a workout?

Your first private session at MOVE Wellness Studios will involve a consultation and a great workout! You’ll meet with one of our personal trainers or physical therapists, who will get to know you, your body, injuries (if any), goals and discuss a program to meet your needs. Typically, your trainer will offer you a few exercises that you can do at home to support your work in your session, tailored to your body’s needs.

How often should I practice Pilates each week?

Because we are working to support neuromuscular patterning, MOVE Wellness Studios recommends practicing Pilates 3 times per week to see the most rapid change in your body. However, we recognize that time, finances and other barriers can prevent this. We’ll work with you to customize a plan that meet all of your needs.

How long do I need to practice Pilates to notice changes in my body?

Everyone responds differently to Pilates, but if you maintain a somewhat regular practice, you’ll see changes quickly. According to Joseph Pilates: “10 sessions – feel the difference, 20 sessions – see the difference, 30 sessions – have a new body.”

Will male clients benefit from Pilates?

Yes! Pilates is excellent for men, of all fitness levels. In fact, we have a class devoted to our favorite guys. Click here to learn more.

I am injured and/or pregnant. Is Pilates safe for me?

Yes, perfectly safe. Our trainers and physical therapists specialize in working with special populations, including those who are injured and/or pregnant to ensure optimal support. We’ll even coordinate with other therapists and physicians on your treatment team. Let us know what issues you are working with and we will help you schedule with a trainer that can support you on your fitness journey.