Pilates in an innovative, full-body conditioning program developed by Joseph Pilates. A complete Pilates program involves both mat and equipment work. The first equipment was developed in Germany during World War I when Joseph Pilates rigged springs to hospital beds to allow patients to rehabilitate while lying on their backs. Modern Pilates equipment employs the same spring-based resistance to create muscular strength and tone without building bulk. Joseph Pilates was a prolific inventor with over 26 patents on equipment used in the Pilates Method.

In the 1920s, Pilates immigrated to the United States from Germany. On the ship to America he met his future wife, Clara, and the couple founded the Pilates Studio in New York. His method, which he and Clara originally called “Contrology”, related to encouraging the use of the mind to control muscles, focusing attention on the core postural muscles that help keep the human body balanced and provide support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises taught awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, and strengthening the deep torso and abdominal muscles.

Pilates is designed to strengthen the core musculature as it lengthens the body. This dual emphasis leads to a longer, leaner, more flexible, better toned, and evenly developed physique. The focus on breath and properly performed movements leads to improved posture and overall physical balance. The focus of Pilates is on quality of movement rather than quantity.

Ron Fletcher is recognized as one of a handful of true Master Teachers of the Pilates Method. As a student of Joseph Pilates, the legacy passed on to him by Clara Pilates, following Joseph’s death in 1967, was to continue to develop the Pilates Method. Fletcher’s background in dance and his gift for movement have resulted in an even more comprehensive movement experience: Fletcher Pilates®. His most notable contributions include innovative Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, and the Percussive Breath&trade technique. Devoting over 50 years of his life to the study of movement, Ron Fletcher has created a rich body of work designed to inform not only the body, but the mind, breath, and spirit. Through his intuitive sense of movement and knowledge of the human body, Ron Fletcher has created the most holistic approach to fitness and wellness available.

Fletcher Pilates® will balance your body – building strength where you are weak, flexibility where you are tight, and stability in your core musculature. A consistent program will significantly improve posture and alignment, enhance stamina, coordination, strength, and flexibility.

Less time than you might think. Joseph Pilates said that “in ten sessions you’ll feel a difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.” Your dedication to a consistent practice will greatly determine how quickly you will notice positive changes in your body.

Because Pilates is low impact and focused on decompression, the movements support your body body’s joints rather than deteriorating then. Most anyone can perform the basic movements. If you have had a serious injury or a recent surgery, however, it is strongly recommended consulting your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.

If a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor “prescribes” Pilates as a treatment or therapy for a medical condition, it may be deductible as a medical expense or, depending upon your health plan or health savings account, may be a reimbursable medical expense. You need to check with your tax preparer, health care insurance company, or health savings administrator for guidance on this issue. Remember that a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor must specify “Pilates” in their prescription as a treatment or therapy for your particular medical condition.

The Pink Ribbon Program is a post-operative workout enhancing recovery program for breast cancer survivors. The program is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive body image for all breast cancer survivors. The Pink Ribbon Program serves to stretch and strengthen the shoulder, chest, back, and abdominal muscles, allowing clients to regain full range of motion to those areas affected by breast cancer surgery. This program is suitable whether your surgery was recent or several years ago and accommodates all fitness levels.

Yes. Joseph Pilates’ passion was boxing and he opened his studio close to Madison Square Garden in New York to be able to train boxers. His work was developed by a man for a man. The Fletcher Pilates® curriculum has preserved all aspects of Joseph Pilates’ original “Contrology,” making it a perfect form of exercise for men.

Absolutely! The focus of strengthening and lengthening core musculature inevitably results in flatter, firmer bellies.

Practicing Fletcher Pilates® provides resistance and will help you burn calories. However, Pilates is not considered aerobic until one masters the advanced work. If you are trying to lose weight, a regular program of Pilates combined with aerobic exercise (e.g., running, swimming, biking, walking, etc.) and a proper nutritional program prescribed by your nutritionist are recommended.

No. As with most people beginning an exercise program, the hardest part is getting started. Pilates is for all body types, shapes, and sizes. An invigorating Pilates program may be just what you need to jump start your physical activity.

Definitely! Improving flexibility is one of the principal benefits of a consistent Fletcher Pilates® regimen.

Yes! Pilates Movement Principles can be applied to – and will enhance – virtually any supplemental fitness program or physical activity you may enjoy.

The global benefits of Pilates, such as enhanced body awareness, improved neuromuscular coordination, and greater strength and flexibility, will improve performance in any sports activity.

While both Yoga and Pilates have some similarities, the most unique principle of Pilates is constant focus on deep core and pelvic floor stabilization. Pilates also emphasizes alignment of the spine and the strengthening the deep torso and abdominal muscles as well as the fine muscle groups that support critical joint integrity and movement. Both Yoga and Pilates center on a mind-body connection and can compliment each other when both movement modalities are practiced.

Yes. Bone density and joint health will improve with a consistent Pilates program. Pilates equipment utilizes spring-based resistance which requires force from the muscles involved, which in turn creates force upon the related tendons and ligaments. That force is translated to the supporting bones, which helps to build bone density. Pilates will also improve your balance, which will decrease the potential for falls and fractures.

No. The very nature of the Pilates Method is to build a body that is lengthened and elongated while building muscle strength, stamina, and endurance. The Pilates Method of conditioning does not build bulky musculature. The Pilates Method builds a lean body that is strong, yet not bound by heavy overdeveloped musculature.

Pilates focuses on postural alignment and can result in a more youthful appearance. Proper posture will offset the effects of age and gravity, helping to eliminate slumped shoulders, a rounded back, a protruding lower belly, and sagging neck and facial muscles. For those that practice Pilates regularly and carry what they have learned in the studio with them throughout their daily life, Pilates will improve your appearance and can result in a non-surgical body and face lift.

Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that literally reintroduces you to you own body. The better you understand your body and how it works, the easier it will be for you to release tension, relax, and reduce the stresses and strains of modern life.

Stress incontinence is the most common form of incontinence and affects over three million people in the U.S. A common cause of this type of incontinence in women is pregnancy, where the pelvic floor muscles are often weakened. Also, as we get older, the pelvic floor muscles have a tendency to weaken. Pilates will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, thereby helping to alleviate what can be a very distressing problem for sufferers.

You can call Vivre Pilates at 210-832-9655 or e-mail ([email protected]) to schedule your initial Pilates session. At that session, you can decide how best to proceed with your Pilates training and schedule additional sessions.

At your first session, you will fill out an Intake Form to let Vivre Pilates know about your specific body issues and fitness goals. You will receive a posture, gait, and spine assessment and identify areas of strength, weakness and flexibility. This session will be used to structure an individual Pilates conditioning program based on your physical needs. An ongoing record of your progress and various observations will be kept on file so that Vivre Pilates may review and monitor your progress effectively.

Black comfortable, close-fitting clothing (e.g., leggings, leotards, unitards, form-fitting shirt or tank top, etc.) enables the teacher to see your movements and to help you make specific corrections. All work is performed in bare feet. Long hair should be secured off your neck and out of your eyes.

Vivre Pilates is located in the historical Monte Vista area of San Antonio.