Pilates is a gentle, low impact form of resistance training with an emphasis on flexibility, mobility and core strength. It tailors to every individual and their abilities making it safe and effective for all ages and levels of fitness. Due to the extremely high demands on core neural recruitment during movement, pilates is an imperative tool to improve performance and prevent injury in any sport or activity. The extensive benefits of Pilates include increased flexibility, enhanced body control and awareness, stability around the joints, core strength, proper pelvic alignment, improved balance and greater mental focus.

Pilates can lessen the risk of injury by improving alignment, and building strength in the core and around the joints to enhance stability and neuromuscular control during activity.  With sport-specific training, certain muscle groups are used repetitively which can cause muscle imbalances, hinder performance, and increase the risk of overuse injuries. Pilates challenges the body as a whole with exercises that enhance trunk, hip, and shoulder stability so that movement is initiated from the centerline and stress is taken off the extremities.

Pilates uses progressive spring resistance to increase muscle strength and endurance with minimal impact and stress on the joints.  There is a constant emphasis on technique, form, and proper alignment to develop strength in a way that supports functional movement patterns for future activity. Each Pilates session will incorporate a variety of exercises that engage both small and large muscle groups with a primary focus on eccentric contraction which gives muscles a greater capacity to decelerate and absorb energy thereby minimizing the risk of getting a muscle strain injury. Controlled, low-impact exercises activate slow-twitch muscle fibers which enhance muscle stability and endurance without overly stressing the muscle or joint.

Pilates is a mindful method of movement that incorporates concentration, centering, control, precision, and breathing to improve proprioception, an awareness of where your body is in time and space and can help athletes stay in the “zone.” Athletes learn to focus  more fully on the task at hand and block out distraction by centering the mind and being more present in the body. Balanced muscular development and learning to initiate movement from the core reduces stress on the body and allows for less energy consumption and more fluid movements which can greatly improve athletic performance and endurance.

The Pilates Jump Board is an incredible tool that uses Plyometrics training to build speed and power through activation of the fast twitch muscle fibers in the quadriceps. Jumpboard exercises will allow athletes to train and focus on plyometric and aerobic exercises without the risk of injury to the knees, feet or ankles associated with high volumes of traditional jump training. With the addition of the spring-loaded reformer, various levels of resistance can be implemented, providing challenges for all types of athletes. Use of the Jumpboard also develops an awareness of body posture and alignment specifically with feet, knees and hips so that you can learn proper take-off and landing that emphasizes moving correctly through the forefoot and landing with knee flexion, avoiding valgus knee positioning. Athletes learn to use their core as a powerful initiator of movement and as a shock absorber when landing to increase stability and minimize risk of injury. With the non-gravitational nature of jumping in the supine position, less stress is placed on the joints and more focus can be placed on maintaining correct alignment as athletes increase confidence, gain power, and learn to land safely.