If you hear someone talking about recommendations for low-impact exercise options, you'll likely hear two things... yoga and Pilates. While many are familiar with what yoga is, not everyone is as familiar with Pilates.

In a nutshell, Pilates is a series of movements that stabilize and strengthen your core. It can be demanding, but it's not the kind of workout that always works up a sweat. With Pilates, it's all about concentration and breathing. But don't be fooled... you'll definitely feel it in your muscles with each exercise. Pilates has a strong emphasis on technique. With consistent practice, Pilates will help you achieve better posture and a better sense of well being.

There are two main methods for practicing Pilates. You can do it on the floor with a mat, or you can use a machine (called a Reformer). Both are excellent workouts.

The beautiful thing about Pilates is that you don't already have to be in great shape to enjoy it. Pilates is great for absolute beginners, as well as seasoned athletes.

If you're interested in checking out if Pilates is right for you, click here to register for one of the many Pilates classes offered by Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center. We'd love to see you!

At Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we're focused on making sure you not only heal, but also learn how to prevent reinjury. Check out this sneak peek into our personal training services.

Yoga and Pilates may be the fitness world’s most popular exercises.  Quite a bit less frantic than intense interval training workouts such as cross fit, yoga and Pilates offer a mind/body alternative and a way to cross train that enhances the body.

Many people, from athletes to clients, who are finishing up the rehab process often find that choosing between the two can be confusing. Which better suits the body’s needs or fitness levels? There are similarities; both are mind/body disciplines, have specific breathing techniques, and incorporate resistance for toning muscles. At Patterson Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we incorporate Pilates and yoga in a rehab setting. Yoga and Pilates are slow, personal routines done in the clinic, but they can also be done through community classes and one-on-one training or in the privacy of your own home.

Check out our new weekly Yoga classes, starting Wed, Sept 19th @ 5:45pm

Ellen King PT has advanced training in Pilates and recommends Pilates if your goal is increased functional strength, athletic performance or spinal stabilization.  Mike Staszak PT, who practices yoga, believes yoga is an excellent addition to any fitness routine where the combination of strength and flexibility are goals. Furthermore, Mike incorporates the stabilization principles of Pilates into his yoga practice and the way he instructs clients.

Both disciplines help with restoring breath and posture, can be beneficial for beginners, high-level athletes or for someone wanting to change their lifestyle, such as after a heart attack, with high blood pressure or with diabetes.  At Patterson Physical Therapy & Wellness Center we are able to help you choose the path towards wellness that best addresses your lifestyle and goals.

At Patterson Physical Therapy & Wellness Center we strive to bring you the most up to date information and exercise to keep you involved in ‘doing what you love.’ One of the tools we utilize to achieve this goal is a repertoire that consists of more than 500 systematic mat and equipment based exercises. Whether you are an athlete or if you sit up to a computer all day, we strive to bring you the safest and most effective exercise programming available.

One of the approaches we use is pilates. The reason we like pilates is that it involves a holistic approach to movement. Not only does it teach you to keep your core strong, which is what all of us need, it also teaches effective movement patterns that allow you to learn to use your body in the most efficient way possible. One of the ways we look at how your body moves is by keying in on five STOTT Pilates movement principles. These tell us how well you control movement from both a muscular and a neuromuscular perspective.

We look for five key patterns:

1. How you breath when you move
   
2. How you hold your rib cage
   
3. How you hold your pelvis and its alignment
   
4. How your shoulder blades find a home on your back
   
5. Your head and neck position
   

Our aim is to work towards optimal musculoskeletal performance through strength, flexibility and endurance. Come let us share our success with you and return you to what you love, again!