Pilates
Above all, learn to breathe correctly.
—Joseph Pilates
Similarly to yoga, Pilates is a mind-body exercise that uses the breath to bring attention to muscle groups and heighten awareness of the body. Pilates and yoga are complimentary exercise systems as they often borrow from each other and both build long, lean muscle tone.
Monica’s Teaching Style
Monica focuses on precision and technique while using transitions as an opportunity for creativity and flow. Her classes work every part of the body in a balanced and harmonious way.
Monica started teaching Pilates in 2010. She discovered its benefits after badly injuring her back and rehabilitating through Pilates. She came to Pilates injured and left stronger than before. She borrows from her yoga teachings to make the Pilates exercises flow together in a fun, dynamic way. She has experience working with many different bodies: pre-and postnatal clients, clients with scoliosis and injured clients.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German man who had many of his own physical ailments and studied exercises and athletics in order to heal and overcome them.
There are two ways to practice Pilates: on the mat or using a machine called a Reformer. The Reformer uses weights and resistance to help lengthen and strengthen the body. Science tells us that our bodies need weight and resistance in order to optimize health. As we age our bone density decreases, which can lead to ailments such as osteoporosis. Using the weights and resistance of the Reformer can also help to manage weight, increase metabolism, build strength and increase joint mobility, which decreases chances of injury.
In Pilates we emphasize proper breathing in order to help engage the deep abdominal muscles to facilitate correct spinal and pelvic alignment. Similarly to yoga proper breathing is essential and helps execute movements with maximum power and efficiency.
Pilates conditions the entire body, at any level. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, which makes it accessible to all bodies. Pilates is also a flexible exercise system that, can easily be modified for pregnancy, injuries or other health conditions. There isn’t a body that couldn’t benefit from the mind-body exercise of Pilates.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”
— Joseph Pilates