Do you ever wonder who actually does Pilates? It’s no secret that I do Pilates and due to being a Pilates teacher, I know lots of Pilates Practitioners. Outside of my Pilates world, it is very rare that I ever hear someone say that they do Pilates for exercise. I do hear of people who run, cycle, golf, do Cross-fit, hike, walk and do yoga. I also hear of more and more professional athletes and celebrities who do Pilates. This is all wonderful but I think it can also be a bit intimidating. That’s why I want to let you know who is doing Pilates at b.PILATES and Personal Training. We don’t see any celebrities or professional athletes, we do see men, women, and children, all of whom come to move and feel better in everything they do. We see clients come to us for Pilates for three main reasons.

A large group of our clients, do Pilates as a compliment to their other physical activities. I fall into this group and can say first hand that Pilates keeps me running and participating in all the other activities that I love. Sometimes after longer runs, I feel hamstring and heel or foot pain. Practicing Pilates, even for 15 to 20 minutes later that day or even the next day, helps to eliminate these aches for me. Pilates has helped me become so much more aware of my breathing, posture, and alignment throughout the day, whether I am participating in one of my exercise activities, sitting in the car and standing in my kitchen included. Clients find that their improved posture, stronger cores, and better flexibility help them to achieve greater results in their other sports and activities.

The second group of Pilates participants is those who have been referred by their medical professionals, such as a Chiropractor, Registered Massage Therapist, or Physiotherapist. Some of these clients are people who have had injuries or surgery that has required them to alter or stop doing the exercise that they once did and are now ready to get back to a regular exercise routine. Pilates is gentle, non-impacting and great for all levels of fitness. In a studio setting, you are generally in a smaller group, which allows for the instructor to give ample attention to each client to ensure their safety and offer any necessary modifications or progressions.

Another stand out group of clients is those who have come to Pilates because they heard that it can help with their back pain. Now some of these folks are also in the “active” group and some are in the “referred” group.  Ongoing back pain is often caused by some aspect of a person’s daily work routine.  Perhaps sitting at a desk or in a car for hours on end, leaning over or having to always reach or twist to one side repetitively. Pilates gets you moving in all plains of motion and building strength throughout your full body. Pilates also helps to bring awareness to where you may have imbalances. Perhaps you always put more weight on your left foot or lean to the right on the armrest in your car while you drive. Pilates can get you thinking about and correct such movement patterns during the day.

Who is doing Pilates? Me, my mom, my sister, your neighbour, your teacher…men, women, children…dancers, runners, basketball players, cyclists…you can do it too!

Discover if Pilates is the right fit for you. Our Introduction to Pilates package consists of 4 private sessions for $160.00 +gst. www.bpilates.com
Email Melissa at bpilatesmr@gmail.com

b.HEALTHY, b.HAPPY, b.STRONG
Melissa Nagai
PMA-CPT, BCRPA GFL & PFL, ACE PT