Pilates FAQs
Wellness is a right for all, not a privilege for the few (Coach Robin Renee).
Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness (Joseph H. Pilates).
Being new to Pilates can be a little overwhelming. Trying to figure out what will work best for you can be frustrating. No worries, we're here to help you along your journey. The following questions about Pilates are commonly asked. The answers are the words of Mr. Joseph H. Pilates, creator of the method originally named Contrology (unless otherwise noted).
*What are the benefits of Pilates?
"Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit."
*Will Pilates help me lose weight?
"As small bricks are employed to build large buildings, so will the development of small muscles help develop large muscles. Therefore, when all your muscles are properly developed you will naturally perform your work with minimum effort and maximum pleasure."
*In other words, muscles can help burn fat. Thus, promoting weight loss (Coach Robin Renee).
*Will Pilates help me get a snatched waist?
"Since we are living in this Modern Age we must of necessity devote more time and more thought to the important matter of acquiring physical fitness. This does not necessarily imply that we must devote ourselves only to the mere development of any particular set of muscles, but rather more rationally to the uniform development of our bodies as a whole."
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*Does Pilates help with back problems?
"Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control. Graceful carriage follows as a matter of course. Never slouch, as doing so compresses the lungs, overcrowds other vital organs, rounds the back, and throws you off the balance."
*Short answer: YES! (Coach Robin Renee)
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*How quick can I get into shape doing Pilates?
"Study carefully. Do not sacrifice knowledge to speed in building your solid exercise regime on the foundation of Contrology. Follow instructions exactly as indicated down to the very smallest detail. There is a reason!"
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*How often should I do Pilates?
"If you will faithfully perform your Contrology exercises regularly, only four times a week, for just three months as outlined in Return to Life, you will find your body developing, approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement."
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*Is Pilates for beginners?
"PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor. Practice your exercises diligently with the fixed and unalterable determination that you will permit nothing else to sway you from keeping faith with yourself."
*Short answer: YES! (Coach Robin Renee)
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*What is Pilates breathing?
"To breathe correctly you must completely exhale and inhale, always trying very hard to “squeeze” every atom of impure air from your lungs in much the same manner that you would wring every drop of water from a wet cloth."
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*Is Pilates the same as yoga?
"Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities."
*In other words, Pilates has more of a physical origin, whereas Yoga has more of a spiritual origin. They are both low impact mindful movement modalities that incorporate mind, body and spirit. They’re from the same family, with different parents. So, think of them as cousins rather than siblings (Coach Robin Renee).
*Can thick girls do Pilates?
YES! We curate safe, non judgmental wellness spaces where diverse bodies, particularly Black bodies can freely breathe, move and thrive. We meet you wherever you are on your wellness journey and build from there (Coach Robin Renee).