In the throes of insomnia, it doesn’t feel as if there are any good solutions for sleep. But in thinking about low-impact ways to increase physical activity, reduce stress and promote better sleep, Pilates seems like a no-brainer. 

As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density and experience decreases in balance and flexibility. It can be tough to accept these changes when we notice them creeping into our body and affecting our life, but giving up exercise completely—out of frustration—can accelerate stasis. As humans, we are meant to be mobile. Movement is the currency of health, and once it’s limited, our world becomes smaller. By regularly practicing Pilates, you can maintain (and perhaps even improve!) your range of motion as you age. 

It’s hard to stay motivated, particularly when the dazzle of the holiday season fades and the reality of the winter slog ahead feels ceaseless. However, at The Pilates Room, we believe that this is the best time of the year to become interior—not in the physical sense—but in the sense of being less distracted by your environment and more focused on your goals. This is the perfect time to start on the road to substantive change. But remember that substantive change is not quick, it does not follow a straight line, and it requires setting clear, achievable goals.

Finding a Pilates studio where you feel at home an and instructor that works for you is one of the greatest motivations to get you out the door. There are a few things to consider when looking for a Pilates studio, including modality (Classical Pilates, Contemporary Pilates, Reformer Pilates, etc), atmosphere, pricing and location. When searching for a Pilates instructor, think about what type of teaching style helps you stay motivated and committed.

Regardless of whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, these six core principles are important to keep in mind as you move through the sequences. Focusing on these principles—concentration, control, centering, flow, precision, breath—will help sharpen and elevate your practice and fortify the mind-body connection. 

We will answer the following (real) questions from first-time Pilates practitioners to show you that you’re not alone (we all have questions!) and to give you the confidence to walk into your new Pilates studio like an absolute luminary.

Pilates is one way to counteract our constant tilt toward our phones and computers and to lengthen the body with controlled, precise movements, which can correct imbalances, restore alignment, and promote better posture. Pilates focuses on core strength, which means better support for the spine, a reduction of lower back pain, improved balance and coordination, and enhanced athletic performance.

This guide will walk you through the foundations of Classical Pilates and how it can benefit your body and mind. Key points include the origins and key principles of classical Pilates, and the standard equipment used in classical Pilates including The Reformer, The Cadillac, The Wunda Chair and The Ladder Barrel. We also discuss the benefits of Classical Pilates and some tips for getting started.