Welcome to the Hills Club Pilates Studio
The Studio is located upstairs above our fitness center.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a mind/body exercise method, developed in the early 1920s by Joseph Pilates. Pilates involves a system of precise movement and controlled breathing targeting the deep core muscles of the abdominal and back. Joseph Pilates, who was a pioneer of health and fitness based his ideas on yoga and martial arts as well as of the graceful movement of children and animals. He believed in the body’s natural ability to achieve optimal health through a system of active breathing and mindful focus, beliefs that are still held today.
People often migrate to Pilates to tone up their midsection and get in shape - and they stay with Pilates because it makes them feel great.
Some of the benefits of regular Pilates training include:
* Increased core strength
* A longer, leaner look and improved posture
* A fuller, deeper breathing pattern
* More energy
* Recovery from injuries and the prevention of new injuries
* Strong, lean muscles
* Weight management through increased muscle tone and metabolism
* Increased joint range of motion
* Improved balance and coordination
* Reduced stress and an overall sense of wellness and vitality
Mat Work
The Mat work is the bread and butter of the Pilates work. On the mat, a 5-10 minute introduction and warm-up is followed by a series of exercises performed in different planes (on your back, sitting up, on your stomach, on your side, etc.) with the focus of using a deep breath and working from the core. The mat work has different levels of difficulty: beginners should start with level one. Sometimes props such as Fitness Circles, flex bands, stability balls and Bosu balls are used to help stabilize the spine and increase the muscle work. If you have any injuries to the back, you should consult with your Pilates trainer prior to taking a mat class. You may benefit more from private or semi-private Pilates work on equipment.
The Hills offers 6 free Group Mat Pilates classes a week (see Group Fitness link) as well as private and semi-private Pilates training in our beautiful Pilates studio.
Private Pilates and Specialized Training
Private Pilates training
Whether looking to strengthen your core, reduce lower back pain or to improve your golf game, one on one sessions with one of our Pilates trainers can make you reach your fitness goals.
Private Pilates training is usually done on Pilates equipment or “apparatus”, such as the Reformer, Cadillac or Chair, where springs are used for resistance and the body is supported. Equipment based Pilates offers a unique combination of core work and upper and lower body conditioning, resulting in strong and proportioned muscles. A complete Pilates routine often involves both mat and apparatus exercises.
Working with a Pilates trainer one on one offers many benefits, one of them being ultimate safety while doing Pilates. While the group mat classes offer convenience,
the private work allows the student to progress faster and can be customized and modified to the individual.
Originally, the Pilates method was only taught one on one.
Cost for Private Pilates: $85 per session
For Private Pilates Training, contact one of our Pilates Instructors:
Lala Darrah
azurites@sbcglobal.net
Barbara Hoffer
Barbara@back9pilates.com
Therese Brewitz
tcpilates@sbcglobal.net
Group Reformer Pilates Training
The Reformer is like a mini gym with a moving carriage where you sit, lie, kneel or stand and use spring resistance to build core and overall strength. Reformer Pilates work is progressive and safe however, people are often surprised by the high intensity and by the great results. Reformer training is done one on one or in groups of 2, 3, or 4. The Group Reformer class is fun and social and can be a less costly alternative to private training.
Cost for Reformer classes: Drop-in class $30, series of 4 or more $110, $27.50 per session.
To learn more and to join a Reformer class, contact our Pilates Coordinator Therese Brewitz tcpilates@sbcglobal.net
Pilates as Rehabilitation for Body and Mind
Pink Ribbon Pilates
The Hills has two Pink Ribbon Pilates Instructors on our staff, trained and certified to work with Breast Cancer patients during and after cancer treatment. Breast cancer treatment, while life saving can cause permanent changes to the body, such as limited range of motion, change in posture, weakened muscles, neck and pack pain, and fatigue. Pink Ribbon Pilates training is gentle and effective in countering the damaging effects of cancer treatment and helps breast cancer patients regain strength, stamina, flexibility and overall wellness. To learn more about our Pink Pilates team, contact Pilates Trainers Therese Brewitz, tcpilates@sbcglobal.net & Barbara Hoffer Barbara@back9pilates.com
Sport Specific Pilates Training
The combination of core awareness, spring resistance, proper alignment, precise full range movement and supervised training has give many professional athletes the ability to train hard and recover faster when using Pilates. However, any recreational runner, swimmer or golfer can benefit from regular Pilates training.
Pilates and Running
Running is superior in offering cardiovascular fitness, but it is tough on the body. Years of running can impact joints and cause back pain. Any alignment issues in hips, feet or back can wreck havoc in the training and cause overuse and imbalance injuries. Pilates training can increase core strength, balance muscles and alignment throughout the body and combat many common runner ailments as well as prevent new ones. Pilates on mat and equipment dramatically increases muscle endurance in core and extremities, which is crucial to finishing long distance runs and races.
We have two former competitive runners on our Pilates team who can help you achieve your running goals:
Lala Darrah Therese Brewitz
azurites@sbcglobal.net tcpilates@sbcglobal.net
Pilates for Golf
The Hills is part of the Pilates for Golf Team and offers regular series of Golf Pilates Reformer classes as well as Private sessions. Pilates for Golf use the Pilates principles to improve swing technique, rotation, stability and help golfers be on top of their game and stay injury free. To learn more about how Pilates can improve your game, contact Pilates for Golf Specialist Barbara Hoffer, Barbara@back9pilates.com
