Pilates vs. Personal Training

By Kristen Matthews

I recently took a workshop on “The Science of Pilates.”  We discussed the parallels and differences between Personal training and Pilates, and how we (Pilates instructors) fit into the gym world.  Pilates has been around for many years, but it’s really only been the past few that it’s become more mainstream.  With that being said, it can sometimes be a challenge making gym members see the benefits of Pilates.  My goal is to help people realize that Pilates can be an important foundation to any type of physical activity. Both Pilates and PT take clients through workouts that are based on their level from beginner up to advanced.   And in both you work on hypertrophy (changing the muscle), muscular endurance, and muscular strength.  The goal in any type of exercise is to change your body and variety in your workouts will help to reach that goal.

Personal training focuses mostly on concentric motion, which occurs when a muscle shortens in length and develops tension.  An example of this is the upward movement in a bicep curl.   In a training session you typically tear muscle fibers, which creates muscle soreness, lactic acid build-up, and degrades flexibility.   On the other hand, Pilates focuses mostly on eccentric motion.  This is the development of tension while the muscle is being lengthened.  Picture the lowering of the arm in a bicep curl.   Pilates typically stretches muscle fibers because of the focus on eccentric motion and the goal is to find symmetry between strength and flexibility.   Pilates will restructure your body from the inside out, starting at your core.   It’s an all over workout, with many muscle groups working for each exercise.

When putting together your own workout schedule, think about how you can vary it.  As much as I love doing Pilates I’d get bored pretty fast if that was the only type of physical activity that I was doing.   I mix it up by going to yoga classes, hiking with friends, and working with my Personal trainer, Laura Hebert of Santa Monica Sweat.  In every one of those activities I am engaging my core. My yoga is stronger because of my Pilates practice.  The training I’m doing with Laura is helping me see weaknesses that I wasn’t noticing when doing Pilates.  And hiking is a way to get my cardio in and spend time with friends.  Who said working out should be boring!   Remember that the more you do something, the faster you will see results.  If you’re thinking of adding Personal training or Pilates to your routine, aim for doing each two times a week.  You can even start with doing Pilates two times a week and training one day a week or vice versa.  Your body will thank you and so will your health.

This entry was written by kmatthews, posted on March 9, 2010 at 12:54 pm, filed under Fitness, Los Angeles, Pilates and tagged , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Open your heart with Pilates

By Kristen Matthews

When I was 22 years old a massage therapist told me that if I didn’t do something about my posture I would be hunched over by the time I was 30.  Now at 34 people think I am two inches taller than I am and I owe it all to my Pilates practice.  It’s one of the reasons I chose to become an instructor. We live in a society where most of our days are spent in flexion.  Because of this so many people struggle with poor posture, neck pain, and back problems.  I’m sure everyone who sits at a desk all day knows exactly what I am talking about.  No one needs to look like the hunch back of Notre Dame, thanks to Pilates.

I spend my days using the phrase “open your heart” in order to counteract all the flexion in my clients lives.  Think of your body as a box with your hip next to your hip and your shoulder next to your shoulder.  From the side view you want your ear over your shoulder, your shoulder over your hip, and your hip over your ankle.  This applies whether you are standing, on your side, or lying down.  One of my jobs as an instructor is to help clients get their symmetry back.  What I love about Pilates is that there is no lack of extension exercises in the repertoire.  I get to teach them and have fun.  From pulling straps or chest expansion on the reformer, to swan or swimming on the mat, to teaser on the wunda chair, you are constantly working on opening your heart.

In extension exercises you need to work your shoulder blades towards one another while widening your collarbone and engaging your core.   Once you are able to put them all together effortlessly it’s such a freeing feeling.  Strengthening the muscles in the upper part of your back is an important step in standing taller, along with stretching the muscles in your chest.  Being able stand tall and look life in the face is a great accomplishment.  Pilates can be so much more than just a workout especially when you are able to enjoy life more because you’ve gotten rid of aches and pains.  So if you are ready open your heart and let Pilates in you can contact me at krismatthews@yahoo.com.  You can also go to my website at www.kristen4pilates.com to learn more about Pilates and how it may benefit you.

This entry was written by kmatthews, posted on February 6, 2010 at 8:21 am, filed under Fitness, Life is Fitness, Lifestyle and Spa, Los Angeles, Pilates, Santa Barbara and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

A SOMA Experience Video: Edward Farwick

Check out our latest retreat experience video with our most recent Guest Edward Farwick. It will certainly get you wishing for a retreat of your own.

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on January 14, 2010 at 6:54 am, filed under Bodywork, Experiences, Fitness, Food, Green Lifestyle, Hiking, Life is Fitness, Lifestyle and Spa, Los Angeles, Meditation, Nutrition, Outdoors, Pilates, Press, Products, Retreats, Santa Barbara, Skin Care, Stand Up Paddle Surfing, Yoga and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

New Year, New Decade, Stronger Core

by Kristen Matthews

2010 has arrived and I would like to welcome it with open arms and gratitude.  This new year seems a special one as it’s also the beginning of a new decade.  What a great time to make resolutions.  If one of yours is to exercise, you are not alone.  How about Pilates?  It’s a fun, effective, and streamlined way to stay in shape.

People always ask me if Pilates can really help them.  The thing that’s great about Pilates is that it’s beneficial for all ages and fitness levels.  From injury rehabilitation to improved fitness for sport to a healthier all around body, a regular practice of Pilates has many long-lasting benefits.  I see the benefits in my clients every day.  One of them credits Pilates for helping her “solve” a climbing problem.  Her flexibility has increased along with her core strength, both of which are important to a climber.

You’re first step to starting Pilates is finding a studio in your area.  Most if not all gyms offer classes as well as privates.  My recommendation is to begin with privates.  In a private lesson, your instructor can focus her/his attention on you, making sure to correct your alignment and keep you moving.  By making small changes with your body, your Pilates session can become a completely different workout.  If privates are out of your reach, don’t be discouraged.  Look for small classes or ones that cater to beginners.   A seasoned teacher is able to teach multiple levels and will give modifications when needed.  Like any workout, the more you do Pilates, the faster you will see results.  Set a goal for twice a week, and see how amazing your body will start to feel!

If you live in the Los Angeles area I teach a $10 mat class outside in Santa Monica on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.  I also offer an introductory special, 5 privates for $300.  Go to www.kristen4pilates.com for more detailed information.   Here’s to an exciting new year!

This entry was written by kmatthews, posted on January 6, 2010 at 7:33 am, filed under Fitness, Life is Fitness, Los Angeles, Outdoors, Pilates and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

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