Pilates reformer used in physical therapy–informed Pilates for posture and movement education. Pilates reformer used for strength, mobility, and controlled movement training.

PILATES

During a Pilates Private. Client is doing exercises on the reformer. Person performing an exercise on a Pilates reformer while pushing the carriage away.

Looking to tone and strengthen your body? enhance your performance? or just generally want to feel and move better day to day? Pilates is a safe yet challenging workout that perfects form and posture in order to prepare you for the challenges it meets everyday and the unexpected challenges you never new you could surpass. 
Under Sarah's physical therapist watchful eye you can be sure to get the right training and form in order to avoid injury or come back from one. 

Is it right for you?
Infomercials with long lean and athletic young individuals can give off the wrong impression about Pilates.  It can be used to help people of ALL AGES, and fitness levels to get moving better with less strain and discomfort.  It is also a great tool for people still recovering from an injury to improve their mechanics without much impact which is why we are seeing more and more physical therapy clinics with Pilates equipment.  However, if you have an injury that is impacting your ability to move well jumping into a class right away is not advised.  A few private sessions will launch you in a better direction faster and easier than several classes would as I can a) understand your movement deficits better with an evaluation and b) be able to cater modifications to your direct needs to rehabilitate your injury and make future classes more comfortable and effective. 

Private Sessions vs. Classes
Private sessions offer the ability to tailor a session directly for your unique needs and concerns.  A few private sessions prior to participating in a class are encouraged to familiarize individuals to Pilates equipment, repertoire, and Dr. Sarah’s unique infusion of PRI concepts into classes.  This is particularly helpful for those with vulnerable areas of concerns. Dr. Sarah’s reformer & mat classes are more affordable and the smaller class sizes still offer the ability for modifications to be offered for those that need it. Reformer classes are performed at Studio U and mat classes are performed virtually online.  ALL Dr. Sarah’s Pilates Classes integrate the concepts of Postural Restoration® and Re-Balance Pilates for re-balancing asymmetrical breath, posture, and movement patterns.  Familiarity with Dr. Sarah’s cueing and movement concepts prior to attending a class is helpful for having a good experience.

Equipment Pilates or Mat Pilates?
A common question when deciding which class to take is "should I take a reformer class or a mat class?".  The answer is the annoying "it depends."  Usually in private sessions I do a variation of both depending on one's goals and needs for learning a new movement.  When suggesting a type of class, generally, I suggest equipment/reformer classes first.  Here are some considerations: 


Difficulty: 
Contrary to instinct, equipment (reformer) Pilates classes are often easier than mat classes.  The goal for the Pilates equipment is not to make a movement harder with resistance but to make it easier buy helping guide a movement by giving the proper proprioceptive input (sensory input to the brain that helps distinguish how one should move safely) needed for good form and technique.

Getting up and down off the floor: 
One barrier to mat class is the ability to easily get up and down off the floor.  With the reformer classes, this is not a problem as it is a couple feet off the floor. 

Desire to Practice Pilates at home: 
Most people do not have Pilates equipment at home but if one wants to incorporate a Pilates practice at home a mat class is helpful to get familiar with the mat type exercises. 

Types of Reformer Classes: 
A RESTORATIVE Reformer class is slow to moderately paced and offers ample modifications making it particularly suitable for individuals recovering from injuries or with specific areas of vulnerability.

A REBALANCING Reformer class is moderate to fast-paced for individuals who require minimal modifications.  Participants should be more confident in being able to push themselves without feeling vulnerable to injury - or be able to modify themselves easily during class with minimal guidance from the instructor.

*For those new to Pilates, a private session(s) are highly recommended for both safety and knowledge of how to use the equipment. 


Cost: 
Mat classes ($20) are half the cost of reformer classes ($40). 

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