About

What is Pilates

Pilates is a unique system of strengthening and stretching exercises using special apparatus, which was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Joseph called his method Contrology. This method was developed to create a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy life. Mr. Pilates set up his first studio in New York City. First it was a secret of professional dancers and performers, later it was discovered by athletes, models and actors. Today, this popular fitness practice is open to everyone.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, balance, coordination,  and posture, and enhance mental awareness.

Practicing Pilates on a regular basis will forge new capabilities within your body. Pilates starts in the class, but it doesn’t end with your hour sessions. Besides feeling stronger and more flexible, it will instill in your body the right habits of movement. Your posture and alignment will improve and your movements will become more graceful. Also, you will find yourself standing taller. The flow of Pilates takes care of your spine by stretching it and creating space between vertebrae. Full range of motion movements lubricate your joints, which helps prevent injuries. As a result you keep your spine and joints healthy. Joseph Pilates said once “You are only as young as your spine is flexible“.
Pilates is focused on building strong and lean muscles, it targets your deep muscles which supports your skeletal system. Be ready to use your core and “power house” a lot in our classes. Don’t be surprised to find some “new” muscles which you’ve never used before. Pilates is a unique system, which is unlike any kind of fitness and weight training. If you’ve reached perfection in one facet of fitness and you think that nothing can surprise you, come and challenge yourself. You will discover your weak points, which we will help you strengthen.
Pilates is a process of strengthening and stretching muscles, finding balance between your lower body and upper body, between anterior and posterior muscles. Pilates creates symmetrical , healthy, strong and lean body.

In additional, Pilates gives you a great awareness of your body, as result you will perform better in different facets of your life.

Who can do Pilates

Whether you are a professional athlete or suffering from an injury or just want to add a work out to your basic routine: Pilates is for you.  Great variety of movements and exercises will leave everyone satisfied. Athlete can strengthen the core and deep muscles, work on their balance, flexibility and alignment for better performance. Specially designed equipment gives you an opportunity to work out with injuries and helps you get back to your form. So Pilates apparatus is able to give you support where you need it, and at the same time, it can challenge your body in completely new way. All ages and all levels are welcome in Lumen Pilates studio.

What to wear on Pilates class

Leggings or yoga pants with simple t-shirt or tank-top will work. In any case, wear conformable cloth, avoid all things that can get in the way during a workout: things like zippers, buttons, bracelets and big earrings. Also, considering that in Pilates classes, you might need to raise your legs over your head and possibly open your legs. If your shorts or pants happen to be too loose, they could fall up your legs. The best way to do Pilates is bare feet,  but if you prefer to wear socks, use socks with non-slip grip.

How to prepare for your first class

If you never tried Pilates equipment, schedule a discounted intro private class before jumping into a group class. You will have 55 minute one on one session with an instructor to get acquainted with the equipment. You will be able to go through basic exercises and their names, and also learn about proper forms.

Think about your safety: no gum or candies during the class.

Make sure to let instructor know about any injuries before the class. If you feel any discomfort during the exercises, let your instructor know.

Schedule your first class today with our special offers!   *new clients only