Get Stronger, Longer and Leaner with Pilates!

Developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920’s, Pilates is a system of exercise that targets the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine to strengthen your body from the inside out!

Watch this video to quickly learn the history of the amazing Pilates system.

 

 

Instead of just working on the “vanity muscles” – the muscles you see in the mirror – Pilates strengthens the “postural muscles” – the internal, stabilizing muscles of your body – so that your posture, balance and core strength all improve WHILE you sculpt the body of your dreams!


 

Privates:

• One-on-one sessions. The instructor customizes the workout to meet your unique needs.
• We recommend clients start with privates before moving on to duets, trios or classes so that you can learn how to modify exercises - making them more accessible to you or more challenging - so that you can get the most out of your workout.
  
  

Duets:

• 2 people, one instructor. The instructor designs a workout to accommodate the needs of both you and your partner.
• We recommend that you find a partner; however, occasionally we have been able to match clients. If interested in finding a partner, please leave your desired day and time AND fitness level with the front desk.
  
  
   

Trios:

• 3 people, one instructor. Unless you have prior Pilates experience, you must have completed at least 10 privates before joining a trio
• Combination of reformer, mat, Cadillac and chair used based on availability
• Trios are not recommended for clients with injuries or special conditions.
  
  

Group Equipment Classes:

• Limited to 5 people
• Unless noted, classes are open level
• Classes may include the reformer, the chair, or both at the instructor’s discretion
• To get the most out of your class, private sessions on the equipment are highly recommended before joining a class
  
  Pilates Reformer & Chair:  Want to get toned and sculpted inside and out?  Then take the 55 minute Pilates Reformer & Chair class utilizing the Pilates universal Reformer and the Pilates chair (sometimes called the “Wunda Chair” and featured in the Malibu Pilates infomercial). This class tones every major muscle group as well as the abs and core musculature while paying special attention to proper execution, biomechanics, alignment and symmetry so that you leave the class feeling rejuvenated, balanced and energized! Most classes are open level, but call ahead to make your appointment! Prior Pilates equipment experience is recommended but not mandatory if you are willing to go with the flow and learn the equipment.

 

Pilates on Fifth will help you understand ‘What is Pilates?’, the differences between Pilates and yoga, and the secret of Pilates exercises

Ten years ago, after falling in love with Pilates exercises and opening our New York Pilates studio, we were constantly asked, “What is Pilates?”, or “are Pilates and yoga the same thing?” The popularity of Pilates exercises has grown exponentially since then and many seem to know that there is a difference between Pilates and yoga! So before we talk about the differences between the two, let’s answer the question “what is Pilates?”

Pilates is a system of exercises developed by a German man named Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. Originally designed as a rehabilitative practice on an exercise mat and specialized equipment, Pilates exercises (as they are now known) target the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine to strengthen the body from the inside out in proper alignment. The goal is to achieve a balance of strength and flexibility, a balance of opposing muscle groups and better balance in the body when moving through all of life’s activities. But the answer to the question “what is Pilates” would not be complete without discussing gravity, or the lack thereof, really! Joseph Pilates, years ahead of his time, knew that gravity pulls our bodies out of alignment, distorting joint relationships and causing some muscles to bear greater loads and others to under perform. By working without gravity, alignment can be improved and faulty movement habits corrected so that the body learns the right way to perform movement and the right muscle to use.

So how are Pilates and Yoga different? Well, both systems have been categorized as mind-body fitness programs and both systems focus on the breath more specifically than other exercise methods. Beyond that, Pilates and Yoga are very different! The two systems were designed with different goals, and while practitioners will see increased strength and flexibility with both, each person needs to decide which is best for him/herself. As for the two of us, we enjoy both Pilates and Yoga, but obviously, lean a little more towards Pilates since we now have New York City’s largest Pilates studio!

Enjoy a Pilates workout with a Pilates DVD or on the Pilates reformer

The Pilates workout as an effective form of exercise gained popularity in the ‘90’s, and the Pilates DVD boom in the early 2000’s solidified Pilates place in mainstream fitness. But many still don’t know that the specialized equipment – like the Pilates reformer – provides both support for the body and assistance for proper execution. For many, performing a Pilates workout on a Pilates reformer can help correct muscle imbalances and improve alignment more quickly than the mat exercises alone. So even if you love doing your Pilates workout at home with your favorite Pilates DVD, consider supplementing your mat work with a Pilates reformer workout at a fully equipped studio.

Joseph Pilates invented the Pilates Reformer and other Pilates equipment to aid in injury rehabilitation, as the equipment allows for exercises to be performed without gravity. Performing mat exercises delivers an excellent Pilates workout; however, the Pilates mat repertoire is arguably the most challenging of all Pilates repertoire – on all equipment! The Pilates reformer, for example, provides support that the Pilates mat work cannot. This allows someone who is starting Pilates to perform exercises properly and safely and thus reap more benefits. Because Pilates mat work alone is very challenging, many Pilates beginners who start their practice with a Pilates DVD find the DVD ineffective because they lack either understanding of the technique or the strength required to perform the exercise properly. With the exception of a few, almost every Pilates DVD on the market is well instructed and well designed, but because the Pilates mat work itself is challenging, many fail to see results.

If this sounds familiar, please, come visit Pilates on Fifth! We have Pilates reformer classes in addition to mat classes. Our dedicated team of compassionate instructors will help you augment your home Pilates practice, so that you may get more out of your favorite Pilates DVD and more out of your Pilates workout.