Why is Pilates the fastest growing method of exercise?
People are becoming increasingly more interested in fitness modalities that help relieve stress. They’re also much more interested in prevention and taking care of their bodies. They want to stay fit and look good for as long as possible. Pilates is complementary to many ways of working out. It’s excellent for an aging population. Its mind-body aspect is even said to be useful in preventing stress-related illnesses, like heart disease.

Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates can be a positive addition to your overall weight loss program. Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories expended. The most successful and healthy way to achieve weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with a strength training component, such as STOTT PILATES exercise, and following a balanced diet. Combining Pilates with aerobic exercise also offers additional benefits: greater mind-body connection, improved posture, flexibility and functionality. Pilates will help strengthen, build and tone muscle mass. “Muscle tissue is partly responsible for the number of calories burned at rest (the basal metabolic rate or BMR). As muscle mass increases, BMR increases, making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight.”
– American Council on Exercise [www.acefitness.org] 2006

Can Pilates be aerobic?
To achieve an aerobic or cardiovascular benefit you have to sustain a duration of 15-60 minutes of continuous exercise (e.g. run, swim, bike). A typical Pilates class does not challenge the cardiovascular system enough to elevate the heart rate to the prescribed level.
The muscle toning and strengthening benefits of Pilates are the perfect complement to such
fat-burning activities as power walking, swimming or cycling. Essentially, the body awareness and improved self-image you’ll gain with Pilates will probably do more to help you win the battle of the bulge than crash dieting and obsessive exercising will.

Who benefits from Pilates? Can everyone do it?
No form of exercise is appropriate for everyone, but STOTT PILATES exercise is appropriate for most people. As with any exercise method, you should always consult with a medical expert before beginning an exercise regime. A modified program may be recommended if you have any physical limitations.

Is it true that a lot of athletes do Pilates?
Despite its slow, careful movements, Pilates is not for wimps! Pro athletes like Martina Navratilova benefit from using STOTT PILATES equipment and instruction. The STOTT PILATES method places importance on core stability and rebalancing the muscles making them work more efficiently. This helps prevent injury and improves athletic ability.