I have been partaking in Bailey Brown’s pilates BBfit classes for awhile now and I LOVE THEM. So I was super stoked when I found out that there was a Club Pilates opening up in Princeton.
And while I love fitting in my workouts while Lizzie naps. I also love getting out of the house for a sweat sesh every now and then – so I am determined to integrate some self care this winter and make it happen.
So before I do a review of the studio, I wanted to do an elaborate run down about what pilates is, what you should expect and why you should be giving it a chance too. I sat down with the owner Melissa Brescia, of Club Pilates Princeton, to assist with all my questions. Scroll below!
What is Pilates?
Melissa: Pilates was developed by a German man named Joseph Pilates. As a child, he was chronically ill, but he was determined to make himself healthy and strong. This set him on the path to becoming a bodybuilder. He also studied anatomy and sampled as many types of exercises as he could and recorded the results. Not only did he study Western methods, but he studied the Eastern methods of yoga, tai-chi, and martial arts.
Although he was German, he was living in Britain at the time of World War I. The British interned him as a German alien, and this is where he began developing his method. Because of his knowledge of anatomy and exercise, while interned, he began working as a nurse. This is where the Pilates method begins to take form. He began experimenting by attaching springs to the beds and developing exercises to help tone and heal the wounded soldiers. It was the beginning of our modern-day reformer. In 1923, Pilates moved to America where he opened his first studio in New York, where the first true reformers were used. These early reformers were shaped like sliding beds that used springs as resistance. His method was instantly a hit!
So, what is Pilates? Joe believed that physical and mental health went hand in hand, which is why the Pilates method is both a physical and mental workout. His method focuses on correct alignment, control, breathing, flowing movement, and concentration. His precise movements focus on technique and control over repetition. Pilates believed that the core was the “powerhouse” of the body; thus, there is a focus on the core in every Pilates class. The core encompasses everything from your Transverse Abdominus to your back muscles to your Pelvic Floor.
Pilates classes also build overall body strength, flexibility, and create lean muscle tone. The emphasis is on lengthening the body versus bulking and shortening the body. Through practicing Pilates you can expect overall slimming, increased flexibility, and improved mobility. You may also find that you become more in tune with your body. In terms of mental benefits, you may feel less stressed and more focused. Due to its low-impact nature, Pilates is for everyone across all walks of life. In addition, you can modify exercises to suit your practice. Because of this, it’s difficult to plateau in your practice. Pilates is truly a lifelong fitness regimen.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Melissa: At Club Pilates we offer Reformer-based Pilates classes, using a modern approach to classical methods, at a price that makes membership attainable. Thousands of people are transforming their bodies and lives right now through energizing, fun, low-impact Pilates. Whether you’re young or old, no matter if you’re mostly sedentary or a more active athlete, there’s a Club Pilates workout fit for everybody.
Will Pilates make you strong?
MelissaL The Club Pilates Method is not only for traditional Pilates enthusiasts. It’s for anyone looking to build strength, increase flexibility and improve range of motion. Improve your golf game, hone your tennis serve or just tone your entire body – this is a true workout in every sense of the word.
As you gain core strength, better flexibility, enhanced mind-body connection and coordination, you’ll feel the benefits ripple through your daily experience. A balanced life, with sustained energy through your whole day and feeling more capable within your own body – what could be more empowering?
Can you tell us a little bit more about Club Pilates?
Melissa: The workouts are tailored to fit your individual needs by our comprehensively certified instructors. They will guide you through everything the club has to offer, and make sure you feel safe and secure in your practice, even if you’ve never tried Pilates before. Not only do we offer the use of the Reformer, a Pilates apparatus utilizing spring tension and body weight for a full Pilates experience, we also offer several other props and equipment pieces including TRX, Bosu, Springboard, EXO chairs, Triggerpoint foam rollers and more! We offer over 7 different class styles in 4 different levels, so the workouts are never boring!
We love Princeton! The culture, the community, the people, the shops, it was a no brainer that we needed a studio in this neck of the woods!
We will be open to the general public December 12th! We can’t wait to bring our pilates party to Princeton! We are offering all your readers zero dollar enrollment and 20% off the first month of their membership.
Anyone interested can call the studio for more info, 609.759.2121 or email us Princeton@clubpilates.com
