Tag Archive for: Pilates Class

Pilates Levels: When am I ready for Level 2 classes?

At any fitness level, Pilates is an effective and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. The exercises are designed to layer and build on each other as the student learns the foundational principles. Pilates is suitable for all bodies at any stage of life. At MOVE, we have different levels of Pilates classes to help our clients move confidently and comfortably through their personal fitness journey. Read on to learn more about how we created our Pilates levels and how you know when you’re ready to level up!

What are Pilates levels?

Pilates levels are designed to lend structure to the repertoire of exercises to ensure that you are learning the essential principles before moving to more challenging exercises. 

The Pilates Method Alliance and STOTT Pilates organize the Pilates exercises into three categories:

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

At MOVE, we’ve organized our small-group training classes into six levels:

  • Gentle
  • Intro
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Level 3
  • Advanced

We also have private sessions available for students to strengthen their muscles by getting a Pilates workout from an instructor teaching them movement, motion, and control and other Pilates exercises.

Is there different Pilates equipment for each level?

Pilates exercise is done mainly by bodyweight, so all you’ll really need is a yoga mat. Some Pilates classes add light weights or resistance bands to stretch, increasing range and improve control.

Am I ready to take it to the next level?

As you progress on your Pilates journey, you may come to a point where you are wondering if you are ready to move up to the next level. At MOVE, our Level 2 Pilates Classes are designed to be a comfortable transition between Level 1 (beginner) and Level 3 (intermediate). In Level 2, clients will continue to practice the full beginner repertoire of exercises while intermediate principles and exercises are layered into the workout. This includes more weight bearing on arms, more complex movements, and larger ranges of motion with stability and balance challenges.

What do Pilates trainers think?

From a trainer’s perspective, a client is ready to enroll in Level 2 classes when they have achieved competence with the beginner level exercises and can do most of them fairly easily, with good form, and without a lot of explanation. The trainer in a Level 2 class will divide class time between letting students move smoothly through the material while introducing new concepts and exercises from the intermediate repertoire. Intermediate exercises generally require more strength and coordination. Level 2 is a way to start learning the increasingly challenging material before it becomes the focus of the entire class in Level 3.

So how do I know for sure?

You know your body best. A Level 1 class provides a well-rounded workout. For some clients, continuing the essential work in Level 1 may be a great fit on an ongoing basis. Students interested in advancing should feel comfortable with a Level 1 class and might in fact start feeling like they want more of a challenge. Any doubts or questions? Ask you instructor. MOVE trainers are always happy to provide their feedback and suggestions.

We love to see our clients mastering new exercises, and at MOVE there is truly a level to suit all bodies and fitness goals.  We’re here to support your personal journey.

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Low impact workouts for beginners

“If you are just starting out or coming back to movement from a break or injury, low impact workouts are gentle on your joints. These types of workouts can ease you into the process of getting stronger, while giving your body a chance to build up the load tolerance on your tissues to avoid injury.”

—Elaine Economou

If you’ve made the decision to bring more movement into your life, congratulations! That commitment to yourself is the first step. And it’s a big one. Now it’s time to find the right workout.

Benefits of low impact workouts

Benefits of low-impact workouts include:

  • Strengthening your body
  • Improving flexibility
  • Minimizing your risk of injury
  • Helping you focus on the mind-body connection
  • Improving your form and range of motion when working out

These benefits make low-impact workouts like Pilates a great choice for beginners or people who are returning to exercise after a break.

Elaine Economou‘s latest blog post for popular website Sixty and Me shares how a low impact workout can be a smart choice for beginners. Getting started with a mind-body movement system like Pilates can build strength and minimize your risk of injury.

Read the full blog post on Sixty and Me.

What is the best low impact workout?

The best low impact workout is the one you can commit to for at least a few minutes every day. Pilates is a great example. At MOVE Wellness we’ve seen its impact on clients again and again. Doing things you love regularly and getting outside to walk are also wonderful choices. As you build your commitment you can start increasing the pace and adding in workouts like the one I’ve provided below.

Can you lose weight with low impact exercise?

Low-impact workouts can support weight loss by helping you create a stronger, leaner body.

Low impact workout routine

Try this sequence of low impact movements perfect for beginners. You’ll be on your way to reaching your movement goals in no time!

Learn the essentials when you’re ready for more

Elaine Economou’s new Movement Essentials: Getting Started with Pilates is a 28-day program at MOVE On Demand designed to get you moving safely and keep you on track. Each week Elaine introduces you to the basic principles of Pilates with a consistent warm up, weekly classes, and a variety of special topics to enhance your journey. And, it comes with an easy-to-follow calendar that will guide you through a clear progression and provide a foundation for healthy movement.

Watch the trailer to learn more. Support the activities you love to do in life by starting today!

Learn more about Movement Essentials

About Elaine Economou

As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies and build strength to support moving well through their unique life. Elaine has created Movement Essentials: Getting Started with Pilates to help people move well and live a life they love – wherever and whenever.

Find all of Elaine’s Sixty and Me blogs on her author page.

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Pilates Breathing: How to Breathe When Doing Pilates

What is Pilates breathing?

Pilates breathing is a way of breathing mindfully from your diaphragm in coordination with your movements.

https://youtu.be/tTHqDUoBGzU

How do you breathe when doing Pilates?

You can start Pilates breathing by learning how to use a diaphragmatic breathing technique. You want to optimize a full three-dimensional inhalation without overusing any one set of muscles.

What is diaphragmatic breathing in Pilates?

According to Harvard Health, diaphragmatic breathing is breathing deeply from the diaphragm, which “encourages full oxygen exchange — that is, the beneficial trade of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide.”

Why is breathing important in Pilates?

Joseph Pilates said that “The breath shapes the movement and defines its dynamic.”

Some benefits of Pilates breathing include:

  • Improved focus
  • Increased control
  • Abdominal engagement
  • Higher energy levels
  • Better circulation
  • Tension relief
  • Lower blood pressure

How can I start a Pilates breathing practice?

You can start now! Watching our video above is a great first step. We’ll talk you through the basics of Pilates breathing and practice some breathing exercises to get a feel for it.

When you’re ready for more, you may want to look at Elaine Economou’s new program Movement Essentials: Getting Started with Pilates. We know the more you move, the better you feel. Sometimes we need a little push to get started. Movement Essentials is a 28-day program at MOVE On Demand designed to get you moving safely and keep you on track. Each week Elaine introduces you to the basic principles of Pilates with a consistent warm up, weekly classes, and a variety of special topics to enhance your journey. And, it comes with an easy-to-follow calendar that will guide you through a clear progression and provide a foundation for healthy movement.

Watch the trailer to learn more. Support the activities you love to do in life by starting today!

Learn more about Movement Essentials

About Elaine Economou

As co-founder of MOVE Wellness®, Elaine Economou helps people move with ease, strength, and joy. Her passion is empowering people to understand their unique bodies and build strength to support moving well through their unique life. Elaine has created Movement Essentials: Getting Started with Pilates to help people move well and live a life they love – wherever and whenever.

Find all of Elaine’s Sixty and Me blogs on her author page.

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Announcing Movement Essentials: Foundations in Pilates

Now available at MOVE On Demand

Movement Essentials: Foundations in Pilates is a 28-day program designed to set you on a path to feeling stronger and more confident in your movement. Each week Elaine Economou will introduce you to the foundational principles of Pilates exercises with a warm up, weekly classes, and a variety of special topics to enhance your journey. The program comes with an easy-to-follow calendar that will guide you through a clear progression and provide a foundation for healthy movement.

Movement Essentials is the first step in understanding your body and getting to know your own movement patterns. If you are ready to add Pilates to your fitness routine, this program will set you up for long term success. If you are familiar with Pilates, you will expand your knowledge and understanding to deepen your personal practice. You’ll get stronger safely, effectively, and efficiently while building healthy habits and consistency into your fitness routine. All in the comfort of your own home.

Start here if…

What to Expect in the Program:

  • To be challenged by a faster pace
  • Practice using correct form to get the most out of an exercise
  • Movements that support other exercise programs (walking, running, tennis, golf, etc.)
  • Learning how to set a solid movement foundation
  • Working towards a 20-30 second plank
  • Completing the full Pilates hundred
  • Moving the spine in all the planes of motion
BUY MOVEMENT ESSENTIALS
Elaine Economou doing Movement Essentials: Gentle Pilates for Everyday Life

What’s included in the full program?

Movement Essentials: Foundations in Pilates includes:

  • A series of introductory topics to deepen your knowledge and set the stage for your personal journey
  • 1 weekly warm up routine—make sure your body is ready for movement each week
  • 2 weekly Pilates classes—customize your journey by doing each class once or twice each week
  • 1 weekly special topics class—including feet, core, fascia, and posture
  • 2 printable calendars—follow along and keep yourself accountable
BUY MOVEMENT ESSENTIALS
Elaine Economou doing Movement Essentials: Gentle Pilates for Everyday Life

Are you ready to start moving?

“The consistency and frequency of your workout routine builds positive outcomes.”

—Elaine Economou

Now more than ever, MOVE Wellness offers a complete solution to get you moving and keep you moving. By committing to this 28-day program, you are committing to yourself. Movement Essentials: Foundations in Pilates is now available for the introductory price of $99.99 at MOVE On Demand.

BUY MOVEMENT ESSENTIALS
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Reformer Pilates in Ann Arbor, Michigan

MOVE Wellness Studios offers Reformer Pilates classes in Ann Arbor, MI, led by experienced trainers.

Pilates is an excellent way for men and women of all ages and fitness levels to build strength and flexibility. In Reformer Pilates, the exercises are done on specialized equipment, called a Reformer, to provide more resistance and allow for the fullest expression of movement.

Reformer Pilates is highly adaptable; when done properly, it can be modified to accommodate injuries, build endurance for beginners, or challenge even the toughest athletes. 

With that in mind, our Ann Arbor studio limits Pilates classes to six people to allow for more individualized instruction. A weekly group class is a great way to get motivation, support, and accountability! 

We also offer private training sessions for those who want to work one on one and enjoy a completely customized Pilates experience.  

START NOW

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is done on a rolling platform with springs that add resistance to your Pilates workout. This allows for more dynamic movement that can train many parts of the body in different ways.  

The Pilates 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. Springs can be added or taken away to provide different levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame.

The Reformer gives you more options in how you do your Pilates exercises. 

Pilates exercises can be done: 

  • lying down
  • sitting
  • standing
  • pushing the footbar
  • perched on the footbar
  • perched on the shoulder blocks
  • upside down
  • sideways
  • and more

Can beginners do Reformer Pilates?

Yes! Reformer parts can be adjusted to your body size and level of skill, so it’s a great option for beginners. 

At MOVE Wellness, we make sure that everyone feels supported by first starting with a one on one or group Pilates Essentials class so we can familiarize you with the basics.

Is Reformer Pilates better than doing mat Pilates?

Mat classes tend to focus on core work and require you to support the stabilization of your body. Equipment like the Reformer, on the other hand, provides a frame to work within. 

Because the Reformer provides some support, it may feel easier than working on a mat, but your Pilates trainer can make it more challenging by adding or taking away springs. Working on the equipment can also efficiently target and tone specific areas of your body.

The type of Pilates that works best for you will depend on your body and fitness goals. Our trainers can help make recommendations if you’re unsure which class(es) you should take. 

How many times a week should you do Pilates Reformer?

We recommend practicing Pilates three times per week to support neuromuscular patterning and see the most rapid change in your body. 

However, we recognize that barriers like time and finances may limit the number of sessions you can do each week. We’ll work with you to customize a plan that meets your needs.

Can you lose weight doing Reformer Pilates?

Pilates helps create long, lean, fit bodies. There are many ways that doing Pilates supports weight loss, but it is also recommended that clients also eat a healthy diet and incorporate some form of cardiovascular training to boost their metabolism. 

Is Reformer Pilates more expensive?

All in-studio classes at MOVE Wellness are on mixed equipment and include all aspects of Pilates. Pricing depends on whether you do private sessions or small group classes.

Reformer Pilates at MOVE Wellness in Ann Arbor, Michigan

The MOVE Wellness fitness studio is conveniently located on Jackson Road near I-94 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We offer both private training and small-group classes for Reformer Pilates. Each session or class is led by one of our experienced Pilates trainers so you can have a safe and effective workout, regardless of your age, fitness level, or wellness goals.

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Pilates for Men – Top Benefits of Pilates for Men from MOVE

Pilates for Men: Benefits of Pilates Exercise for Men

What do you think of when you picture a Pilates class? For many, ‘Pilates,’ brings up images of leggings-clad women doing light exercises that look more like stretching than an actual workout — but that’s a complete misconception.

Although Pilates doesn’t incorporate intense cardio or heavy weights, it’s still a tough workout for men and women of all ages. In fact, some of the top athletes in the world incorporate Pilates into their routines. Pilates works new muscles and movements, so it’s challenging without causing the strain some higher-impact workouts do. It is particularly effective for strengthening abdominal muscles and targeting the core.

But whether you’re a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs or a retiree looking to switch up your workout routine, you can find benefits in Pilates.

Here are answers to some common questions about Pilates, its benefits for men, and a free Pilates workout you can try from the comfort of your own home.

Try even more Pilates classes with our MOVE On Demand Series: Building a Strong Core with Pilates for Men and sign up to get your first livestream class free!

What is Pilates, exactly?

Pilates is a safe, adaptable exercise method that can be done on a mat or with a specialized Reformer machine. The Pilates method is a comprehensive workout system that uses resistance and your own body weight to stabilize your core and strengthen your body. Pilates’ adaptability makes it great for all body types and fitness levels, while still being a challenge for even the toughest athletes. This form of exercise is an efficient, effective, and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension.

Pilates is versatile and offers numerous benefits for men, including improved core strength, posture, and overall body awareness. Some men dismiss Pilates as a form of exercise because it doesn’t involve high intensity cardio or heavy weightlifting. But don’t let that fool you — Pilates is a great workout that corrects muscular imbalances and builds a strong and stable core, without the impact on your joints that extreme fitness can cause.

Can you gain muscle with Pilates?

Yes. Pilates helps lengthen the muscle and build strength for men of all fitness levels. 

Is Pilates good for weight loss in men?

Pilates supports weight loss by helping to create a leaner, fitter body. However, for best results, men should combine Pilates with cardio and a healthy diet.

Do men do Pilates?

Yes, we have many men in our studio who enjoy the benefits of Pilates. Top athletes, including tennis champion Andy Murray and members of the Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots, also do Pilates.

What are some benefits of Pilates for men?

Here are some benefits of Pilates that men of all ages can enjoy:

  • Improved flexibility: According to Harvard Health, flexibility allows us to more easily achieve a full range of motion, which leads to both improved athletic performance (a smoother golf swing) and  functional abilities (reaching and bending). Muscles get shorter and less elastic as we age, so exercises like Pilates that lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility are great for keeping you moving.
  • Building strength: Pilates can be an effective strength training workout for all fitness levels; this exercise can be adapted to provide stability for beginners or provide a challenging workout for athletes.
  • Alleviate pain and side effects of illness: Working the deep abs and pelvic floor can help alleviate back problems, and can be incredibly beneficial for men who have been, or will be, treated for a number of diseases. Notably, men suffering from prostate cancer have experienced notable pain relief thanks to Pilates.
  • It supports weight loss: Pilates helps to create long, lean, fit bodies. There are many ways that doing Pilates supports weight loss, but it is also recommended that you eat a healthy diet and incorporate cardio to boost the metabolism.
  • Safety: While high-intensity workouts are great for getting your heart pumping, they can be jarring on your joints and possibly cause injury. Pilates, especially when done with a knowledgeable trainer, is a safe, effective way to workout without the pain.
  • It can be done alone or in a group: Men still wary of trying Pilates (despite the endorsement of many professional athletes!) can start off with a private Pilates session. One-on-one sessions will put you in contact with a Pilates trainer who can give you individual attention and a great introduction to this workout that’s adapted to your current fitness level. At MOVE Wellness, small group classes are limited to six students to allow for personalized instruction.
  • Posture support: Pilates addresses poor posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and promoting better alignment, which can alleviate back and neck pain experienced by men of all ages.
  • Sports performance: Pilates enhances sports performance by improving coordination, balance, and functional strength, benefiting athletic abilities in sports from golf to basketball.

Pilates as a Form of Physical Therapy

Pilates was originally developed as a form of physical therapy to help rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I. Today, Pilates continues to be a valuable form of physical therapy, helping individuals recover from injuries and improve their overall physical fitness. For men who have suffered injuries, such as back pain or joint issues, Pilates offers a gentle yet effective way to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion.

Pilates exercises, including mat work and reformer Pilates, can be tailored to suit different fitness levels and target specific areas of the body. This adaptability makes Pilates an ideal form of physical therapy. By incorporating Pilates into their physical therapy routine, men can enhance their overall physical fitness, reduce the risk of future injuries, and improve their athletic performance.

How quickly will you see results with Pilates?

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

Getting started with Pilates 

Pilates can be done on a mat or with specialized equipment. Mat Pilates classes, like the 20 minute workout above, tend to focus on core work and require you to support the stabilization of your body. Pilates equipment, like the Cadillac or Reformer, gives you a frame to work within that is often more helpful than a 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.

If you’re new to Pilates or fitness in general, it can be worthwhile to begin with a private Pilates session to get individualized attention and a more customized Pilates-based fitness program. You can also explore Pilates on your own and learn the Pilates basics with a beginners Pilates workout.

Pilates Workout for Men

This 20 minute Pilates workout will take you through exercises that will help with the tight hamstrings and shoulders that are common for men, but experienced by all. All you need is your mat!

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Celebrate Pilates Day with Free Pilates Workouts

Booking Confirmation Class - Pilates Classes

Pilates is a whole-body exercise system that was created by fitness and conditioning enthusiast Joseph Pilates more than 85 years ago. Whatever your conditioning goal, Pilates is an efficient, effective, and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. 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. Pilates is suitable for all bodies at any stage of life. 

At MOVE Wellness we believe in community, in learning from one another, finding inspiration in our individual journeys, and supporting our clients and staff. We see so much growth within the larger Pilates community and a desire to honor the work as a system that can provide whole body health to those who practice it. The evolution and innovation of Pilates along with a strong desire to increase opportunities for everyone to access the system, makes it a great time to be a part of this industry. We do this work because we are a network of motivated individuals committed to changing lives through movement.

A group of men doing a Pilates Reformer class

What is Pilates Day?

As an industry, the Pilates community has a shared passion for the work that Joseph Pilates created. Pilates Day is a celebration of that work organized by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). The PMA is a professional association for Pilates teachers whose mission is “to advance Pilates as a profession and to promote and perpetuate the teachings of Joseph H. and Clara Pilates.” Pilates Day is set aside annually for the community to come together and highlight this extraordinary movement system. Whether you participate by doing Pilates, teaching Pilates, hosting an event, or learning something new about Pilates, everyone is encouraged to join in and spread the word. It’s all about feeling connected to the Pilates community and celebrating a shared passion.

When is National Pilates Day?

Pilates Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May. You can search online for events in your area. Or, celebrate at home with a free Pilates workout from MOVE Wellness. 

https://youtu.be/8Z69Oqt35ME
20 Minute Strengthen with Pilates with Laura
Strengthen with Pilates is a great way to build strength using Pilates principles. Join Laura for just 20 minutes to feel strong and supported in your own body in episode 1 of Strengthen with Pilates. No props needed! 

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates can help strengthen the body and improve stability and mobility. These improved fitness levels can help prevent injury and give you greater ease of movement through a full range. This system can also relieve low back pain and the postural effects of sitting. It is a safe weight-bearing exercise that can mitigate symptoms of osteoporosis/osteopenia, and there is mounting research that Pilates supports a number of pathologies, postural issues, and is an effective method for whole body strengthening.

Whatever your conditioning goal, Pilates is an efficient, effective, and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension.

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.”

MOVE Trainer Sarah Cohen doing a plank on the Pilates Reformer

Become a Pilates enthusiast any month of the year

It doesn’t need to be Pilates Day for you to try Pilates! MOVE Wellness offers Pilates classes and private training sessions all year round. Join us in-person at our Ann Arbor, Michigan studio, or online with MOVE On Demand and MOVE Livestream. You can also visit our YouTube channel for more free Pilates videos like the one above. 

Contact us today to sign up for an introductory private session or start your first livestream class FREE! We can help you design a Pilates program to help you meet your individual needs and goals.

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Join us on Revel for free classes!

pilates

Say hello to our new friend Revel

“I am incredibly honored to be a part of Revel, a fast-growing, online community of women over forty. We’ve been offered an awesome opportunity to partner with Revel during the months of February and March... We’d love to see your friendly faces in our Revel classes. It’s free and easy to join.“

—Elaine Economou

Revel + MOVE

We’re so excited to share that Revel is launching a special series of MOVE classes featuring Elaine Economou and Laura Tyson throughout February and March.

  • Movement Essentials-Pilates Level 1: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
  • Barre Class: Wednesdays at Noon
  • Mindful Movement & Pilates: Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
  • Movement Essentials Pilates Level 2: Mondays at 1:00 p.m.

Beyond February and March, Elaine will continue hosting her monthly Workout Wednesday series on Revel. Join us on the last Wednesday of the month for a brief themed discussion and a Pilates-based class. You’ll learn how to challenge your unique and miraculous body safely and enjoy moving!

Revel will connect you with wonderful women with interests around a variety of topics beyond movement. Enjoy Revel’s recent blogpost “MOVE with Elaine Economou” with registration links for all classes at the end of the Q&A. Everything is free and it’s easy to join!

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