Best Pilates Classes in San Francisco, CA

With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to: Improve strength, flexibility and balance Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core Engage the mind and enhance body awareness Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching Restore postural alignment Create a stronger, more flexible spine Promote recovery from strain or injury Increase joint range of motion Improve circulation Heighten neuromuscular coordination Offer relief from back pain and joint stress Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury Enhance mobility, agility and stamina Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity Improve the way your body looks and feels

Pilates can be beneficial for virtually all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. The method is like a bridge between physical fitness and physical therapy, and can be adapted, modified and customized for individual needs. Some advanced moves and sequences seem to demand youthful energy yet others are manageable for more frail physiques. We at EHS believe in Pilates for every body!

The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a Pilates mat alone, and great results can be achieved through beginner, intermediate and advanced moves. However, the various equipment pieces such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles. The Arc and Ladder Barrel provide support that allows you to safely manipulate your body to stretch and engage muscles otherwise challenging to isolate. Smaller Pilates equipment pieces such resistance bands, Pilates circles and exercise balls also provide an element of variety and focus to a Pilates regimen. A complete and satisfying workout can involve exercises on the mat alone or can be combined with various pieces of specially designed Pilates equipment. Each session can offer variety so that no two workouts are alike.

Try to work out 2-4 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity (walking, bicycling, or swimming). This kind of regular, consistent practice will help you make the mind-body connection and integrate the various Pilates principles. You should start seeing and feeling results in about 10 to 15 sessions.

In essence, Pilates exercise is not a cardiovascular workout and burning calories is not its main focus. However, in conjunction with a sensible diet and some cardio work such as brisk walking, bicycling, aerobics or swimming, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program. Pilates exercises help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles. Whether the number on the scale goes down or not, you will tend to look and feel better through continued Pilates practice.