Neuro Core Pilates

About  Pilates

Joining Pilates at Neuro Core

 

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. Pilates’ focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes you feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, balance and coordination, reduces stress, and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region)

Who is Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever as a child , he dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength. He came to believe that the "modern" life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health.

Joseph Pilates developed his revolutionary exercise program during World War I, when he was a nurse at a prisoner of war camp. By experimenting with the springs on hospital beds, Pilates created a system of muscle movement and resistance that helped speed the recovery of injured soldiers. After the war, Pilates moved to the United States and ultimately devised a series of exercises and training-techniques and engineered all the equipment, specifications and tuning required teaching his methods properly. He called this “a complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”

Who should do Pilates?

Pilates is for everyone: all ages, physical abilities and fitness levels. At Neurocore we offer individualized programs for those new to fitness as well as challenging workouts for competitive athletes. Athletes, seniors, men and women of all ages and physical backgrounds may participate in Pilates. Pilates also suits an aging population because it enhances circulation, flexibility, and builds muscle mass without stressing joints in a gradual manner.

We are particularly interested in adapting Pilates for the Rehab population, and more specifically for clients with neurological conditions. Please refer to “Can I do Pilates if I have a disability?”.

Nine fundamentals of Pilates as developed by Joseph Pilates:
What are the Principles of Pilates?

The Contemporary 5 Basic Stott Pilates Principles are:
1) Breathing
2) Pelvic placement
3) Ribcage placement
4) Scapular placement
5) Head & neck placement

The purpose of the above principles are to ensure that regardless of the type of posture the body is in, the above 5 landmarks must work in harmony to create safe and effective movement. The 5 basic contemporary principles should also be complimented by the 9 fundamentals of Pilates as developed by Joseph Pilates.

How can I benefit from Pilates?

The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system.

With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to:
• Tone and build long muscles without bulk
• Balance strength & flexibility
• Heighten movement awareness & balance
• Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
• Prevent re-injury
• Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy
• Restore postural alignment
• Promote recovery from strain or injury
• Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
• Heighten neuromuscular coordination
• Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
• Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
• Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
• Improve the way your body looks and feels
• Increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
• Improve posture
• No-impact – easy on the joints
• Can be customized to suit everyone

What are Pilates exercises like?

There are two major elements to the Pilates method -- "matwork" exercises and those movements performed on equipment. Over the course of a lifetime, Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises using both a simple mat on the floor as well as a variety of specialized equipment, referred to as "apparatus." These include the Reformer, the Cadillac or Table, the Chair, the Barrel and several other specialized pieces of equipment.

Pilates exercises were primarily developed to align, lengthen and strengthen. Movements are generally not "aerobic" in nature, particularly in the beginning. Instead, Pilates exercises vary in dynamics depending on the exercise. Control and precision are emphasized; repetitions are fewer and focus on isolating muscle groups and developing core strength.

The movements are designed to work several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the body’s core—the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region.
The result is a balanced approach to exercise where no muscle group is overworked or under-worked, and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

What equipment is used in Pilates?

Mat work is just one component of the whole system of exercises that we offer. When you do Pilates on the Mat, you must support your body weight through the movements. Mat work is a great way to make sure you really understand your body and the principles of Pilates.

The use of equipment such as the Reformer, can assist with movement or challenge your balance and add increased resistance to your exercise. The specially designed springs help tailor the degree of difficulty. The equipment can simplify Pilates concepts for beginners as well as provide unique challenges as you become stronger and more flexible allowing for a greater array of movements and positions. Please refer to “Summary of Equipment.

At Neuro Core, the Reformer, Tower and Stability chair are incorporated into all one-on-one private sessions. The barrels, toning balls, therapy balls, foam rollers and resistance bands are incorporated into all group classes.

Please see Summary of Equipment for equipment detail.

How do I get started?

Simply call and book your private session or join a group class by contacting us. You will be asked to complete a few forms regarding your medical history prior to initiating any private treatment or group session, so please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment.

What training do your instructors have?

Our instructors are certified through Stott Pilates and are also licensed Physiotherapists or Chiropractors. Our instructors have taken numerous additional Pilates and post-graduate training, courses and regularly attend conferences. Participation in ongoing education ensures our instructors are knowledgeable in various schools of thought, further shaping and enhancing their Pilates teaching and practice. Please refer to the link "About Us" for further details

Can I do Pilates if I have a disability?

Yes!!! Joseph Pilates developed hundreds of exercises, most of which can be modified to suit various body types and conditions.
Often injury, pathology or trauma results in misalignment and compensatory movement patterns, Pilates aims to optimize postural alignment and improve movement efficiency through individualized exercises.

Our Certified Stott Pilates instructor is also a Physiotherapist with a particular interest in neurological conditions. Thus, exercises may be adapted and made accessible to clients with various pathologies, thereby making Pilates and its principles available for those who wish to explore this form of exercise.

What is the difference between participation in a group class and a private session?

While the instructor in a group format will make every effort to provide individual attention to each class participant, privates or semi-privates allow our instructors the chance to focus specifically on the student's unique postural presentation and movement patterns to better maximize their potential.

One-on-one sessions also allow client-specific progression of exercises, using more specialized equipment.

In general, Pilates is taught one-on-one in 1-hour sessions with a professionally certified Pilates instructor. This is especially true in the beginning, and for any exercises involving apparatus. A typical Pilates private session consists of both apparatus and mat work as well as any specialized exercises to address your individual body type. In this way you gradually build an appropriate degree of stability, control and balance before moving to more advanced exercises.

POLICY & PROCEDURES

Kindly carefully review our policies prior to registering for a one-on-one or group class. We hope that you are as committed to your workouts as we are to providing you with quality care.

Joining a class or booking a private session: Please call in advance to book your spot. Please arrive 15 minutes early to your first session in order to complete the appropriate forms.

Duration: All group classes and private sessions are 55 minutes in length

Drop-ins: If you decide to drop in, close to the scheduled time of a class, please call in advance.

Levels: Pilates group classes are offered at 2 levels: Essential (Restorative & Neuro) & Intermediate (Power). New participants are kindly requested to start with an essential class or a private session.

Latecomers: Doors will be closed 15 minutes after the class begins to minimize class disruption.

Number of Participants per class: Maximum of 8 participants per class

Cancellation Policy: To avoid being billed for sessions not attended, kindly call 24 hours in advance to advise us of your cancellation, otherwise you will be charged in full.

Weather: In cases of severe weather, our staff will try to contact you at least 2 hours before the beginning of the scheduled class.

Making Up Classes: Kindly call in advance to reserve your spot in a group class. All pre-paid sessions (including missed class) are valid within six (6) months starting from the date of purchase. We encourage you to make up all classes, as any unused sessions will expire at the end of the six (6) months term and cannot be carried over and are non-refundable.

Return & Refund Policy: All pre-paid sessions are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Golden Rate: 10% reduction for group classes for those 65+ years young

Payment methods: Cash, debit and credit cards are accepted

Clothing: Please wear comfortable clothes such as long shorts, tights or leggings and t-shirts or tank tops. Please avoid wearing loose or "short" shorts as many of the exercises are done in inverted postures. You should also be aware that you will likely be barefoot or in socks.

Etiquette: We ask that you refrain from wearing heavy perfumes, and that you turn off cell phones and pagers while at our centre. Also, please note that no cameras, video/tape recorders are permitted to ensure all members’ privacy.

Past medical history: In order to deliver a quality and safe service, all clients have the responsibility to disclose any information regarding medical conditions, physical limitations and injuries prior to registering or joining a class. If you are not sure about joining or registering in a class, please always consult your medical professional(s) before you sign-up.

We reserve the right to discontinue providing any services to clients with any undisclosed, medical conditions, physical limitations and injuries, any cancelled, pre-registered, and/or pre-paid sessions for this reason are non refundable.

PILATES GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE  as of January 2009
  •  Additional classes are based on demand on site or off site
  •  Neuro Pilates Classes- Coming Soon

Day

Time

Class
Friday 5:30-6:30 pm Restorative Pilates

Saturday

9:00-10:00 am

Power Pilates

Class Descriptions

As of January 2009

Restorative Pilates: This class will focus on the principles of Pilates which are the essential building blocks for Pilates practice. Exercises will focus on exploring slow, controlled movements to create long and lean muscles with improved abdominal and back strength. This class will also include stretching overuse, tired, tense and sore muscles.

Pre-requisite: Eager to understand and appreciate Pilates principles

Neuro Pilates: This class is for those with a neurological condition who want to improve their posture and alignment to minimize compensations and ensure efficient and effective movement patterns. Explore your potential in various postures using equipment to assist or resist your movements.

Pre-requisite: Due to the variety of diagnoses and levels of those with neurological conditions, participation in this class will require a private one-on-one assessment by a Pilates instructor to ensure that we set you up in a class level that is appropriate for you.

Power Pilates: This class offers a challenging workout focusing on core muscles such as the abdominals and gluts, utilizing small equipment to build stamina and strength. This class is ideal for those who want to see results and improve their endurance, power and strength, in a safe manner.

Pre-requisite: Participation in a minimum of one restorative class or private session.

Seated Pilates: This class is designed for those who wish to explore Pilates from a seated position; that is, whether you are full-time wheelchair user, have an arthritic condition or recovering from a surgery limiting your ability to use your legs, exercises in this class will focus on deep breathing techniques, improving upper limb range of motion and strength and trunk movements as possible. The purpose of this class is to promote circulation, flexibility, stability and strength using various small equipment. Prices may vary. Please call to learn more.

Pre-requisite: Your request…