"Movement is the song of the body."
Vanda Scaravelli
Pilates
"The Art of Contrology"
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor, but also as an important complement to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. The Pilates method is a safe practice for people of all ages despite body size or physical condition. When done on a consistent basis the body begins to develop long, lean muscle that is created through strength training and your own body's resistance. In the Pilates method the importance of working all movements from the CORE, also referred to as your "Powerhouse" is highly emphasized throughout. By strengthening the core muscles you can achieve to stabilize and strengthen your spine which in turn will better your posture. Making Pilates an essential part of your workout regimen will further lead you down a long, healthy, and rewarding lifestyle.
Barre
"Where Ballet inspired exercises fuse with Pilates, Yoga and cardio based movements."
What sets Barre aside from every other form of workout out there? Simply put, the use of Ballet derived movements in combination with the use of a Ballet Barre (or back of a chair!). These classically inspired movements are then fused together into intricately developed exercises backed by the principles of Pilates and Yoga. By training like a ballerina (no dance experience req.) the body develops coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance, grace and poise. Known for its pulsing movements and emphasis on form, alignment and core connection this workout form also involves props to intensify and challenge certain movements. Props such as loop resistance bands, semi-balls, free hand weights and more. Each exercise is designed to isometrically contract the muscles and challenge alignment and balance. Barre will give you that sleek and slender figure along with huge health benefits such as increased stamina, better blood circulation, and increased metabolism amongst many others. Done in combination with the beat of high energy music one can't help getting fully immersed into the essence and intention of the movement. Get ready to sweat, plie, pulse and hold positions you'd never thought your body would accomplish!
Yoga
"The journey of the self, through the self, to the self."
Being one of the oldest forms of physical exercise Yoga has over 5,000 years of historic traditions and healing benefits. Despite the many different types of Yoga that exist they all have one primary focus, to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment by combining the practice of the spiritual self with the physical body. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercises, and meditation to help the body relax and lower stress levels. The consistent emphasis that Yoga places on the use of the breath further helps the body harbor stillness and control even while in movement, assists with increasing flexibility and balance during static poses, and helps to keep the mind in the present moment. If you allow it and are receptive enough, Yoga will unwind your body, stretch your limbs, decongest the mind, and transform your exercise experience. What better way to add more SOUL into your workout regime!
