In order to participate in the Group Reformer classes, we require that you take the Initial Consultation Series first. During these four private initial sessions, you will learn the fundamental movement principles of Pilates and the breathing technique we use at Pendleton Pilates. The goal is for you to experience a wide variety of exercises on the Reformer and for you to be familiar with the Pilates vocabulary, both in your mind and your body. That way, if you choose to enter into Group Reformer Classes, you will see faster results and be able to more thoroughly enjoy your sessions.

Even if you have taken mat or Reformer classes elsewhere, it is a valuable experience to re-examine your strengths and weaknesses and learn your body's habits in alignment in movement. Further, by working privately with an instructor, you will learn how to get the most out of your Pilates Group sessions. If you have extensive Pilates experience, we recommend you sign up for your Initial Consultation Series. If the instructor feels you are competent enough to go into groups within a session or two, we will shorten your series and credit your account.

It is helpful for our instructors if you wear comfortable yet form-fitting exercise clothes. That way we can make sure you are performing the exercises in the proper alignment. However, we don't advise you wear loose or "short" shorts as many of the exercises are done with your legs open and elevated. You may exercise in either your bare feet or stocking feet.

Pilates can be quite effective over time even if you only can do one session a week, but most of our clients come two to three times a week. However, you can do Pilates every single day. There is no "day on, day off" schedule. So if you are training for a special event or have a flexible schedule, you can do Pilates three, four even five times a week. But we advise that you begin a reasonable program of exercise and stick to it over time. Often, taking on more than is reasonable for your schedule or budget is a sure fire way to lose in the long run.

You can also combine mat and Reformer work. So you may wish to take two Reformer classes a week and one Mat class.

When you work out on the Reformer (a piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s and updated and improved by Balanced Body, the leading manufacturer of Pilates equipment), your movements and the weight of your body are supported by the smooth movement of the machine along the carriage as well as by a system of straps for the arms and legs. When you do Pilates on the Mat, you must support your body weight through the movements, which makes the work more difficult. However, the Mat work is a great way to make sure you really understand your body and the principles of Pilates.

Improve Your Workout with a Pilates Machine - The PostGame.com, June 14, 2012

Joseph Pilates said that "you'll feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 and have a whole new body in 30 sessions." Most of our clients have found this to be true and many start seeing results right away. Perhaps more important, our clients feel better almost instantly which keeps them coming back for more. Pilates helps to relieve chronic back pain, knee and joint pain.

With Pilates you strengthen AND stretch various muscles . For instance, you may be doing an exercise for the back, lying on the stomach pulling the ropes down and back. But that's not all that's going on. You must point the toes and stretch the knees to elongate the leg muscles, tighten the glutes, which firms the buttocks, and lift the upper body, which strengthens the low back. As you reach forward between repetitions, you stretch the back and shoulders. Or you may be kneeling facing forward to perform an exercise similar to a chest flye. Because you are kneeling, you must contract the abdominals, glutes and quadriceps for stabilization. You have a greater range of motion on the return than you would on a fly machine, which increases chest and shoulder flexibility.

The bottom line is Pilates typically incorporates more muscles utilized in one exercise in comparison to a weight training machine. Further, Pilates creates better functional movement and performance than weight training because of the coordinated exercises and concentration on the core muscles.

Pilates is a wonderful program for those who are starting or already engaged in a weight loss program. You will learn to activate and move your body safely utilizing your muscles rather than your joints and will be better able to engage in other physical fitness activities. And Pendleton Pilates works to create a warm and welcoming environment that can be far less intimidating than some gyms.

Remember: Pilates was created by a man and was later adapted for women! Men generally have less flexibility and a greater degree of upper body strength than women so Pilates helps to create longer, more agile muscles as well as to counter-strengthen in the core and lower body. At Pendleton Pilates, our male clientele is fast growing. From CEO's and semi-professional athletes to men recovering from injuries or punishing exercise habits, Pilates helps both men and women retrain and re-strengthen the body for optimum performance. According to USA Today, male athletes are using Pilates to increase performance. Read USA Today.

Pilates is the fastest growing segment of the fitness industry. And that means that there are a lot of new teachers working in the field, some of them having received only a few hours of training. At a Pendleton Pilates studio, you receive more individualized attention with a  focus on form and breathing. Pendleton Pilates Teacher Training and Certification Program (PPTTCP) is a highly competitive, comprehensive training and certification program in the foundation and fundamentals of Pilates. All instructors go through a 200 hour program that teaches beginner and intermediate mat and reformer work in a studio environment. Instructors also learn the anatomy and physiology associated with Pilates movements.

Pendleton Pilates accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, checks and cash. Clients are welcome to purchase packages at class, online Downtown/Loveland/Hyde Park Square or West Chester or by calling 513.478.3232 or 513.240.7488, and using a credit card.