Question #1: I am planning to have a baby, am pregnant, or just had a baby….. can I take Pilates?
Answer: If you are planning to have a baby this is the best time to start learning Pilates. Pilates is a great method of exercise and relaxation for women who are pregnant. The Pilates exercises will help to strengthen the posture muscles used when carrying the baby and the gentleness of them will encourage extra oxygen and nutrients to flow to your unborn child. Pilates will make your pregnancy much more comfortable and your delivery much easier. It may allow you to decrease your chances of injury before, during, and after delivery and even help your OB-GYN in the delivery room. Pilates will also help you to recover more quickly after your child is born. If you are pregnant and would like to try Pilates, it is best to have been exercising prior to trying Pilates. If you just had a baby and have been doing Pilates or were really active before your pregnancy, then yes you can take Pilates. If you are in any of these stages of pregnancy please see your doctor before starting a Pilates program.
 Question #2: I'm an athlete, how will Pilates benefit me?
Answer: Pilates can help train many different components used in various activities and sports. The stability aspect of the Pilates exercises gives you the means to operate from a stable platform. Most sport activities rely heavily on a strong core and stability is the foundation of your training. Balance and the ability to feel your weight light while moving, is practiced and will increase with practice. Power is needed in some sports and the key elements in training this is, flexibility, balance, stability, and strength training. Pilates focuses on every one of these aspects. If you are a serious athlete and would like to try Pilates, begin with a few privates and you will benefit from a program being created just for your body and sport.
Question #3: I have arthritis, osteoporosis, recovering from an injury, or have little exercise experience, can I do Pilates?
Answer: Yes, you can practice Pilates. In fact many doctors advise you to do Pilates for arthritis and osteoporosis. It is important to do weight-bearing exercise that load and strengthen your bones. If you are recovering from an injury, your instructor will want a written note from your doctor or physical therapist before starting exercise. Pilates is not used for physical rehabilitating, but can be great for those in the post rehab stage. Before beginning a Pilates program make sure you tell your instructor your stage of osteoporosis, arthritis, or injury so they create a program that will benefit your needs. Make sure to continue to communicate with your instructor, they'll need to be aware of anything your body is feeling or not feeling.
Question #4: Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Answer: Pilates can aid in losing weight. Pilates alone will not allow you to lose weight. You must raise your body's core temperature, by doing cardiovascular training, in order to burn calories. In conjunction with aerobic exercise, you need to have a healthy diet and stay consistent with your Pilates training.
Question #5: I consider myself a senior or older active adult, will I benefit from Pilates?
Answer: Pilates is a very versatile style of exercise and can be modified for anyone of any age. With age our bodies become tighter and our balance tends to decrease. There are many Pilates exercises that focus on increasing range of motion through the joints and connective tissues. There are also many that focus on the components needed for balance such as, core strength, leg strength, posture, and your proprioception.
Question #6: Can men do Pilates?
Answer: Yes, men should be doing Pilates, a man created this style of exercise! Generally men have more problems with low back and their bodies tend to be tighter. Pilates will increase range of motion through the body, and strengthen the posture muscles that are normally weak in those with low back pain. When entering a Pilates class, do not expect a workout that is going to leave your body feeling completely sore the next day. You may feel some soreness, but since we are not lifting heavy weight do not expect to feel like you can't move a muscle. The Pilates exercises should make you feel relaxed, stretched, and stronger through your center.
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