FORWARD MOTION

Named for creator Joseph Pilates, the Pilates exercise system was created during the early 20th century and first developed for professional dancers and dedicated athletes to help with strength training.

build a better you the power of pilates

Far from being a fad, Pilates is a low-impact, accessible exercise known for building better posture, balance and flexibility, leading to a leaner, stronger you.

By jenny enslen stubbs

Explore the Core.

People who practice Pilates regularly enjoy a number of health benefits including, prevention and treatment of back pain; better balance and posture; improved core strength and stability and more flexibility.

Is Pilates for Me?

When asked about the results of Pilates, creator Joseph Pilates reportedly said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.”

But what is involved? You’ve likely noticed equipment being incorporated into a solid Pilates regimen. You can also effectively do many of the Pilates exercises with nothing more than a mat on the floor. Equipment can be found at a professional Pilates studio, like Club Pilates East Montgomery.

As is the case with all exercise routines, people should first check with their doctor before beginning. Note that Pilates can be adapted to provide a gentler stability and strength training program. Likewise, it can be changed to incorporate a more challenging workout. Regardless, beginners should always start slow and incrementally increase the intensity.

To avoid injuries and gain the most benefit, correct form should be maintained, and for this, the supervision of an experienced Pilates instructor is key.

Did they complete a comprehensive and certified training program? Are they able to adapt to clients with special needs like prior injuries?

Stretch, Strengthen &Align

Beginners will find a common set of Pilates moves in every class. Here are some of the exercises:

1 The Hundred

helps target core strength and stability through breathing.

3 Rolling like a Ball

massages the spine and opens up the back.

2 The Roll Up

stretches the spine and back while also strengthening the abdominals.

4 Leg Circles

strengthen hips and core.

Regardless of where you are physically, Pilates has the potential to improve you in an amazing way. Local Club Pilates owner Lanie Brazell finds members of Club Pilates benefit in many ways. “It is so rewarding when my members tell me they are standing taller, sleeping more soundly and living better overall,” she said. “Those are benefits I have felt, and I’m so happy to be able to share this practice with everyone.”

By enlisting the help of a certified instructor, you will engage your core, leading to better posture, balance, flexibility and strength, which builds an all-around “better you.” Brazell is a firm believer in the long-term positive impact of Pilates. “A consistent Pilates practice will translate to all of the other aspects of your life and keep you healthy and strong for years to come,” she said.

Pilates Post-Preggo?

Montgomery’s Club Pilates owner Lanie Brazell found Pilates to be the perfect way to recover from her three pregnancies. But she also found it to be a great reason to open up Pilates locations for her community. “I first started doing Pilates as a way to recover from my first pregnancy. Because Pilates was such a big part of my recovery, I realized I wanted to share this concept,” she said. “We opened our East Montgomery location in September 2017 and the Zelda location opened shortly after in March 2018. We also have a third location in Auburn.”