Comprehensive Pilates Program:

Survivors to Thrivers Pilates Class
A gentle Pilates movement class for women surviving Cancer
Beginning April 1st
Facilitated by Christine Kelly Golnik

Click here for more info --- pdf flyer.

Frequently asked Questions: What is Pilates? Where does it originate from? Who can do Pilates? What can Pilates do for me and my body? What should I look for in a Pilates instructor? Testimonials Schedule of Classes Instructor Bios

What is Pilates? –

The Pilates Method trains the whole body with a focus on strengthening the core muscles of the trunk. Each exercise is an important movement in and of itself and can be easily applied to the activities of daily life.

Movement is initiated by deep internal muscles called, 'stabilizers'. When the stabilizers are strengthened, the result is maximum stability and increased range of motion of the joints. A person's ability to stand erect is caused by the muscular and skeletal system functioning in a state of balance. This means elongation and strengthening of posterior muscles (hamstrings and back muscles) to optimally support the skeletal frame and put anterior (pectoralis, quadriceps, biceps) muscles into balance. When muscles are not balanced, weaknesses are created which can result in chronic injuries and bad habits. Pilates movements work to strike the perfect balance.

This technique addresses the mechanics of the skeletal system, geometrically increasing the power of coordinated musculature, and the rejuvenation of the circulatory system through breathing - systems inherent in each human body. This unique method combines consciousness, proper breathing and continuous motion to slim your muscles, flatten your stomach, strengthen your back, and lengthen and balance your legs.

The Pilates Method comprises more than 500 exercises, performed as a mat-based workout or using special apparatus’ developed by Joseph Pilates and emphasizing spring resistance and assistance.

Where does it originate from? –

Joseph H. Pilates developed the exercise system in the early 1900’s as a result of wanting to strengthen his own body which was plagued by asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever as a child. As an intern during the WWI, he taught his method, which he called “Art of Contrology” or muscle control, to fellow internees and successfully maintained the health of many patients through the influenza epidemic of 1918. The exercises included equipment using springs for assistance and resistance. He was quickly recognized by the medical profession as doctors noticed their patient’s health improving at a much faster rate.

Joseph came to the United States and opened the first official Pilates Studio® in New York City in 1926. The technique immediately attracted the attention of dancers and performers who found the exercises not only rehabilitated injury, but also took their performances to a whole new level.

In the past 20 years, the strengthening, toning, and rehabilitation effects of Pilates have been discovered by people of all ages and walks of life. Health professionals, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts have all embraced the benefits of Pilates for rehabilitation, cross training, and general strength and conditioning. This “mind/body” exercise has equally engaged the practice of stars like Madonna, Sharon Stone, and Jodie Foster.

Who can do Pilates? –

Just about anyone and everyone can do Pilates. The method has been described by many experts and professionals as “the perfect exercise system”. It is great for people in need of rehabilitation, athletes, people with chronic tension, those with poor posture, and anyone looking for a non-impact strengthening and stretching program.

What can Pilates do for me and my body? –

Traditional methods of training and developing the body tend to produce short, bulky muscles - precisely the type of musculature most prone to injury. Pilates elongates the spine, increasing the elasticity of muscles and the flexibility of joints. This balance between strength and flexibility drastically reduces the potential for injury.

Pilates emphasizes flowing movements requiring the use of multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Controlled breathing and concentration are essential, making Pilates truly a workout for the body and the mind. It avoids the tendency of many exercise forms to emphasize the muscles which are stronger and to neglect those which are already weaker. In this way Pilates can help your body to regain efficient patterns of motion - a great benefit to those recovering from injury, professional athletes and performers, or anyone seeking good posture and optimal health.

Consistent Pilates training will:

Build longer/leaner muscles Increase flexibility Improve posture Decrease incidence of back pain Help prevent injury Create a flatter stomach and trimmer waist Improve performance in sports Elongate and stabilize the spine Increase joint mobility Maintain strength and function at any age

What should I look for in a Pilates instructor? –

Based on the guidelines of the Pilates Method Alliance™, a studio should be able to easily address each of the following questions:

1. Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?
2. Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice, and apprentice hours?
3. How many total hours were spent in the training program? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
4. Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching experience?
5. How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
6. What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
7. Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?

Each of the instructors at Stillpoint Studios has trained through an extensive and comprehensive Pilates training program specific to rehabilitation and fitness. With over 400 hours of preparation and education, they each bring a strong foundational base to the classes and individual sessions. And because many of the instructors are also physical therapists, their knowledge of anatomy and physiology allows them to easily recognize and address physical challenges unique to each person. The instructors often use a combination of apparatus and mat work to address a well-rounded program which include strengthening, conditioning, and/or rehabilitation.

Testimonials –

The six months of Pilates I have done has been more help to me than three years of previous physical therapy. I am stronger, fitter, more aware of my body and how it moves in space and more willing to keep up a program at home. The staff is skilled, highly knowledgeable, personable and motivating. Pilates is a program I will use for the rest of my life.

          ~ Laurel DeTar

There’s just no way around it; Stillpoint Pilates is the best! I learned about Pilates exercises from my equestrian background. Core stability is essential to good riding, especially dressage. Having been exposed to some of the exercises in a series of classes in Penn Valley, I hooked up with Stillpoint to broaden my scope. I was amazed at the difference! Because their instructors are physical therapists, they can adjust the exercises to deal with all my physical shortcomings.

And not only has my riding improved but I’m sure the muscle toning I’ve acquired has “saved my neck” on several occasions when I’ve take a mis-step.

          ~ Betsy Wobus, M.D.

I really can’t say enough about the long lasting effects that the Pilates classes have had for me. I have had a number of back injuries including cervical disk protrusion and a fractured thoracic spine and have had quite a bit of chronic pain on and off due to multiple injuries. The Pilates class has taught me to carry myself in a completely new way, using the abdominal musculature to decrease the stress on my low back and on my neck as well.

I love the way my body feels with my new posture and notice that it has even improved my equestrian sports which include jumping horses. I will look forward to my next Pilates class and in the meantime will continue to enjoy the long lasting results for myself and continue to refer my patients to you.

Thank you so much for this wonderful new knowledge.

~ Linda Foshagen, D.O