It’s amazing how three little words can conjure up so much emotion in people when you ask what their “New Years resolutions” are. Most people can’t keep their resolutions past the first day, but if yours was to become a stronger, longer and toner you in 2012, than committing to and keeping a resolution you will love for years to come is as simple as taking a Pilates class.

Focusing on the body’s core, Pilates is an overall conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, strength and endurance in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips, and back.  It also improves balance and coordination, making you more graceful and the breathing techniques will even help you relieve stress and feel more relaxed.  How many other resolutions can say that?

A Mat class is a great way to get acquainted with the principles of Pilates.  You will learn how to do the fundamental and beginning movements correctly and what’s more; all of them can be modified to fitness level.  The joy of Pilates is you work with what is available to you that day.  If you’re feeling good the sky is the limit, if your nursing an injury you can adapt any move to what’s comfortable for you.

As you increase your knowledge and study of Pilates, you can progress to other classes like Mixed Mat, designed for anyone who would like a more advanced Pilates mat workout or even a props class which is a fun, new twist on the Pilates mat exercises that uses props.

So if you’re ready to be the envy of all your friends by not only getting the body and mind Pilates can give you, but actually committing to your New Years resolution, contact us.  Don’t let another year pass you by.

Want to get started in Pilates but not sure how to begin? Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from signing up for pilates mat classes!

For your first visit to the Pilates studio, you don’t really need to bring much with you besides yourself and a bottle of water. When you’re just getting started, you don’t even need a mat–you can borrow one belonging to the studio. If you’d rather bring your own, be sure it is a Pilates mat, which is different than a yoga mat. You can always call ahead or visit the studio for help selecting the proper mat.

Then there’s that all-important question: what to wear? (more…)

Pilates Matwork teaches the basic principles and techniques of Pilates. Each class focuses on moving the spine in all four directions, developing overall strength and utilizing proper breathing. Participants use their own body strength or a variety of props (small weights, foam rollers, rings, bands, fit balls, etc), to add challenge and variety. There are many different kinds of mat classes, ranging from introductory classes to classes using props. Mat classes are convenient to incorporate into any workout plan and offered frequently throughout the week at Personal Best Pilates Studio (to view our current mat schedule, visit our website – www.kcpilates.com)

Certified Pilates Mat Instructor, Jasmine Bean comments, “For me, mat work is the first step to Pilates. I think it easier to learn the fundamentals such as breathing while closing the rib cage and engaging pelvic floor on the mat. I also think it is nice to have an idea of movements on the mat before taking them to the equipment. Additionally, mat classes at any level can always provide a challenge, which is my favorite part of mat work. Mat classes never get old or easy.”

Pilates can also be performed on different pieces of equipment including; the Reformer, Chair and Cadillac. Utilizing each different piece of equipment allows instructors to specialize each workout based on the needs of each client. The equipment can add resistance or assistance for strengthening and lengthening muscles. Equipment sessions can be done one-on-one or in a group setting. Because of the versatility of the Pilates equipment, clients may discover a more focused approach to reach his/her goals quickly.

Personal Best Pilates Certified Instructor, Becky Kenyon, gives another perspective, “I think the equipment can advance a person’s Pilates Mat practice by adding resistance to moves done on the mat (while also adding additional exercises that cannot be done on a mat). The equipment can assist someone who is feeling unsuccessful at mat work by adding resistance to modify for them as they increase their core strength. In conclusion, the equipment is awesome because it can modify workouts or make them more challenging, depending on the person and their goals.”

If you are trying to decide between rolling out the mat or making an appointment for a session using the equipment, you can feel at ease knowing that Pilates on the mat and the equipment provide amazing benefits. Ultimately the decision should be based on your goals, schedule and fitness level. If you are not sure, call the Personal Best Pilates Studio at 913.345.8787 and one of our team of elite Certified Pilates Instructors will help design a program to meet your needs.