Posts In: Pilates Seacoast NH

The first clients of Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara were dancers who studied at their studio in New York during the 1920s and 1930s.  Today, athletes who use this method include runners, swimmers, skiers, tennis players, and cyclists. However, anyone can use the exercises to add core strength and flexibility, as well as increased mobility in the spine, hips, and shoulders.

Benefits

Pilates looks deceptively easy.  The exercises focus on a range of motion rather than resistance.  This means that the entire body is working smaller, intrinsic muscles in each exercise.   A client will increase strength in these smaller muscles that are close to the bone.  Another benefit includes the extension of the spine which increases flexibility.

Private session

Joseph Pilates created his system of exercises for wounded veterans.  He attached springs to their bedposts to offer resistance training while moving through a range of motion; this is similar to the concept of Reformers.  Pilates can be done on the mat, or on equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Barrel, Wunda Chair, and Ped-O-Pull.

As a certified instructor and athlete, I began using the Pilates system in 1997 and noticed an increase in my running speeds and less pain in my joints.  One year later I came across the finish line in first place!  Pilates became my streamlined practice, and I stopped going to the gym.  Whether you are a beginner or an athlete who has been training for years, there is a level for you. According to NFL defensive back Johnson Bademosi, quoted in Men’s Fitness:

“It’s hard to prepare for what’s needed on the field by just lifting weights.  Pilates challenges you with really unfamiliar movements.”

Schaerlaeckens, Leander (2018, March). 5 power Pilates moves to make you a better athlete. Men’s Fitness. Retrieved from https://www.mensfitness.com/weight-loss/burn-fat-fast/5-power-pilates-moves-make-you-better-athlete

Pilates and golf

Golfers will notice a better swing in their game.  We focus on rotation of the spine and exercises that increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion of the upper back, shoulders, and hips.  Exercises include the 100, a 10 cycle breathing exercise that builds core strength.  Kneeling bicycle, side overs, and single leg circles are examples of other exercises to help your golf game.

Pilates helps to tone muscles rather than shorten them.  This makes it unique to other strength training methods that use weight-bearing exercises which overload the muscle and shorten it.   Bademosi, among other athletes, uses the system to increase his range of motion, and lengthen muscles through extension, rather than shortening them.  Each exercise uses core strength so everyone can improve their game with stronger abdominal muscles.

Other benefits include improved coordination, balance, muscular control, better posture, reduced joint pain, and faster recovery time.  A growing number of athletes are finding Pilates a benefit to their daily routines.

To book your first appointment at The Pilates Room, visit https://thepilatesroomnh.com/book-an-appointment-2/

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Working with Seacoast and beyond since 2013, located in downtown Portsmouth, NH. The Pilate Room is a fully equipped studio offering both private and semi-private sessions.

Pilates is fantastic for active aging! It’s gentle on the joints, focuses on improving flexibility, balance, and strength, all of which are crucial for maintaining mobility and independence as we age. Plus, it’s adaptable to different fitness levels and can be customized to address specific needs or limitations. Incorporating Pilates into your routine can help enhance overall well-being and quality of life as you continue to stay active and healthy.

Reformer Pilates for Active Aging

Reformer Pilates is a fantastic way to enhance your Pilates practice. It involves using a specialized piece of equipment called a reformer, which consists of a sliding carriage, springs, straps, and bars. The reformer provides resistance and support, allowing for a wide range of exercises to be performed in various positions.

One of the great things about Reformer Pilates is its versatility. It can be tailored to different fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and offers both strength-building and flexibility-enhancing benefits. Plus, because it provides adjustable resistance, it can help target specific muscle groups more effectively.

Whether you’re looking to improve core strength, increase flexibility, rehabilitate from an injury, or just add variety to your workout routine, Reformer Pilates offers a comprehensive and challenging workout experience. It’s definitely worth trying if you have the opportunity!

Pilates for Active Aging and Rehabilitation

Pilates is widely recognized for its rehabilitative benefits. Its focus on controlled movements, core strength, and alignment makes it an excellent choice for individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain. Pilates exercises can be adapted to suit various needs and limitations, allowing for a safe and effective rehabilitation process.

By targeting specific muscle groups and promoting proper body mechanics, Pilates helps improve posture, balance, and overall body awareness, which are essential for injury prevention and recovery. It also emphasizes gentle, low-impact movements, making it suitable for individuals with joint issues or other physical limitations.

Many physical therapists and healthcare professionals incorporate Pilates into their rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after surgery, injury, or other medical conditions. Whether you’re recovering from back pain, joint surgery, or a sports-related injury, Pilates can be a valuable tool in your rehabilitation journey. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you’re recovering from an injury or medical procedure.

Learn more about us @ Blog Archives – The Pilates Room (thepilatesroomnh.com)

Working with Southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas in Dover, Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, New Castle, Exeter, Stratham, and southern Maine areas in Kittery, Eliot and York.

View on us on social media @ Michele McCauley (@the_pilates_room) • Instagram photos and videos

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Working with the Seacoast and beyond since 2013, The Pilates room is located in downtown Portsmouth, NH.

Pilates for Beginners is as an alternative to weight bearing exercises that impact your joints. There is no impact on your joints in practicing Reformer Pilates. One of the main benefits of Reformer Pilates is that you can improve strength and flexibility using body resistance along with balance and coordination. You will feel the difference in one session. It may take a few weeks to build total body strength, depending on both limitations, learning curve, and commitment.

Pilates basics

There are two main practices to learn as a Pilates student and both are incredibly important! The awesome thing about Pilates is that you absolutely going to feel your whole body working together in every exercise. Historically and designed by Joseph Pilates (1840-1920), Pilates had been taught with spring-loaded tension on beds. Now known as Reformer Pilates. The spring-loaded tension is perfect to learn alignment principles and the focus for Pilates for Beginners is to breathe while moving the carriage. This is a total body workout that focuses on form, breathing, and moving with control.

Other benefits of using the Reformer for Pilates for Beginners are to train body mind awareness, increase strength, stability, stretching, and stamina. Working on the Reformer, in The Pilates Room fully equipped studio also includes using the Cadillac, Wunda Chairs, Tower, Barrel, and Jump Board. The Reformer is a large prop that works great to learn as Pilates for Beginner program. The feedback from the spring tension and the guided instruction in a private session is perfect for individuals who are new to Pilates. We offer both private and semi-private sessions @ The Pilates Room.

View on us on social media @ Michele McCauley (@the_pilates_room) • Instagram photos and videos

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Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates

Mat Pilates is another wonderful way to practice Pilates for Beginners. The classes are one hour long and learning the mat practice is great to do without equipment. These classes are versatile and focus on both form and breathing in each exercise. In the mat practice, body resistance is a bit more challenging for new students. The rollup is one example that is more challenging to perform on the mat versus the Reformer, since there is no guided resistance. Once the core and back muscles become stronger using the Reformer, it will be easier to progress to the mat series.

Mat Pilates is a wonderful practice to incorporate into your strength training routine. How often do you practice for best results? We recommend twice per week for beginners. The mat practice includes exercises similar to the Reformer Pilates machine. Some of these exercises are the hundred, rollup, spine stretch, saw, swan and side hip series. Spinal function becomes the main focus in every exercise on both the mat and Reformer Pilates machine.

Learn more about us @ Blog Archives – The Pilates Room (thepilatesroomnh.com)

Working with Southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas in Dover, Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, New Castle, Exeter, Stratham, and southern Maine areas in Kittery, Eliot and York.

Reformer Pilates sessions at offered at The Pilates Room, a fully equipped studio located in downtown Portsmouth, close to Seacoast New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

Reformer Pilates have become the best workout in 2024. Each session last one hour long and are booked by appointment. We offer privates and semi-private classes in a beautiful boutique studio. Book your free 30-minute consultation and session today!

Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates is a fantastic way to enhance your Pilates practice. It involves using a specialized piece of equipment called a reformer, which consists of a sliding carriage, springs, straps, and bars. The reformer provides resistance and support, allowing for a wide range of exercises to be performed in various positions.

One of the great things about Reformer Pilates is its versatility. It can be tailored to different fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and offers both strength-building and flexibility-enhancing benefits. Plus, because it provides adjustable resistance, it can help target specific muscle groups more effectively.

Whether you’re looking to improve core strength, increase flexibility, rehabilitate from an injury, or just add variety to your workout routine, Reformer Pilates offers a comprehensive and challenging workout experience. It’s definitely worth trying if you have the opportunity!

Private and Semi-Private Reformer Pilates sessions

In a private session, the focus is on your individual practice with a strong focus on form. The attention and focus of the session is to improve alignment, pace and breathing. The equipment includes a Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chairs, Barrel, and lots of small equipment. Practicing two times a week is ideal to build core strength and improve your posture.

Learn more about us @ Blog Archives – The Pilates Room (thepilatesroomnh.com)

Working with Southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas in Dover, Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, New Castle, Exeter, Stratham, and southern Maine areas in Kittery, Eliot and York.

Visit our social media page at https://www.facebook.com/SeacoastYogaandPilates/photos

Leading a healthy lifestyle is a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves making conscious choices that promote overall wellness and longevity. Here’s a brief description:

Leading a healthy lifestyle involves:

1. Nutrition: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It also includes staying hydrated and being mindful of portion sizes. Visit our page for more information and healthy vegan recipes @ https://thepilatesroomnh.com/category/food-for-thought/
2. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise to maintain physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. This can include activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and specific fitness programs like Pilates.
3. Mental Well-being: Prioritizing mental health through stress management, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. This can help reduce anxiety and enhance overall emotional resilience.
4. Sleep: Ensuring sufficient and quality sleep to support physical and mental recovery. Learn more about sleep hygiene @ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-your-sleep-and-wake-cycles-affect-your-mood-2020051319792
5. Avoiding Harmful Habits: Limiting or avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other harmful behaviors.
6. Social Connection: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships for emotional support and a sense of belonging.
7. Regular Health Checkups: Visiting healthcare professionals for routine checkups and preventive screenings.

Pilates is an excellent fitness choice for older adults due to its low-impact nature and focus on core strength, flexibility, and balance.

Pilates for Older Adults:

Here’s how it can help:

1. Improved Core Strength: Pilates emphasizes core muscles, which are crucial for maintaining stability and preventing falls, common concerns for older adults.
2. Enhanced Flexibility: Pilates exercises promote flexibility, helping to alleviate stiffness and improve range of motion in joints.
3. Balance and Posture: It can improve balance and posture, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
4. Joint Health: Pilates can be gentle on joints while still providing a challenging workout, making it suitable for individuals with joint issues or arthritis.
5. Mind-Body Connection: Pilates encourages mindfulness and body awareness, which can help older adults connect with their bodies and reduce stress.
6. Customized Workouts: Pilates can be adapted to individual fitness levels and needs, ensuring a safe and effective exercise program.
7. Social Interaction: Group Pilates classes can provide a social element, promoting a sense of community and motivation.

In summary, a healthy lifestyle for adults over 50 involves a balanced approach to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Pilates is an excellent component of this lifestyle, offering numerous benefits, including improved core strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical and mental well-being. It can be a key part of maintaining an active and fulfilling life in the later years.

Saturday, September 23

9am-11am

410 The Hill, Portsmouth, NH

Sign Up now to reserve your spot!

This sound healing workshop is the best way to give yourself love. Finding time to relax can be hard with everyday distractions. We are holding this two-hour workshop for you to relax and recharge to the sound and vibration of singing bowls.

• Relieve stress, anxiety, and fear
• Balance your nervous system
• Realign your chakras
• Sound improves intution
• Relax and reset

When: Saturday, September 16, 2023

Time: 9am-11am

Where: 410 The Hill, In the Courtyard

Cost: $45

This sound healing workshop is transformative and will be taught and led by Boston Vibration. Sign up to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Sound healing aligns your chakras.

Learn meditation techniques that will help you heal anxiety, stress, and fear.

A bio for Vikrant Rana:

Born and brought up in Nepal, Vikrant(Vik) incorporates Tantra, Advaita Vedanta and Sound Yoga in his spiritual practices. In addition of being certified Sound therapist, he is trained in Shakta Tradition of Tantra and practices Kundalini Yoga. Nepal being a melting pot for Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient Shamanism, his work reflects all these major branches of occult sciences. He believes his practice of Kundalini Yoga, Tantric Sutras and Energy healing is of service to this virtual world, which is a mirage and we all here to help realize the ONE truth. He is certain that coming together in a workshop and group sessions like this will levitate physical, mental and spiritual well being of all of us as an individual. A student of Advaita Vedanta( Jñāna yoga), the path of Knowledge, he performs all his services with self luminosity, where everything and everyone is but THE ONE SELF. His Tantric path taught him a simple way to attain Self-realization, “What is here is Everywhere, What is not here is Nowhere.

Namaste 

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Pilates for Athletes is a practice worth considering, whether you are a college athlete, weekend warrior or a professional or elite athlete. Are you are looking to improve your agility, power, speed, balance, breathing, strength, or flexibility? Pilates will teach the body better alignment, strength and flexibility, without impacting the joints.

Pilates for Athletes include exercises that improve spinal functions. Forward flexion, for example, is one spinal movement that performs exercises, while engaging the abdominal muscles and stabilizing the hip flexors. The full practice will perform exercises while prioritizing the spinal function, breath, and flow of movement.

As a result, the body works more efficiently like a well-oiled machine. The front side, backside, and lateral sides of the body are working together as one. Pilates exercises performed 2-3 times per week will provide maximum benefit.

Pilates for Athletes is a great form of rehabilitation. Which makes it a great choice to regain strength and flexibility and reduce the risk of reinjury. Injuries to the back, neck, shoulders, knees, and hips are most common. Pilates includes resistance training and low weight-bearing exercises.

Book your free consultation today

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This seems to be a commonly asked question, over the years. We might be thinking which practice is better for strength and flexibility? The differences between Pilates vs Yoga is not the answer here. Let’s explore the main differences here.

First main difference

The breathing is the first thing to discuss. Pilates practitioners use the diaphragmatic or 3-part breath. It involves the upper respiratory, the lower respiratory, and the diaphragm. Inhaling through the nose, filing the lungs with air and exploring through the mouth, until the lungs empty.

Yoga has over 500 documented breathing patterns. The most common breathing pattern called the ujjayi breath involves a 3-part breath, like Pilates breathing, however, the inhale and exhale are both with a closed mouth. The exhale is an ocean-like sound in the back of your throat.

Both practices are great for you

Whether you practice Yoga or Pilates, your body and mind will benefit from either practice. The most ideal thing to do is to engage in both practices, in my opinion. There are many benefits that are shared between the practices.

• Improved lung capacity
• Better circulation
• More energy
• Better sleep
• Great digestion
• Increased strength
• Increased flexibility
• Less back pain
• Less joint pain
• Mindfulness
• Focus
• Concentration

Pilates

The Pilates method was created in the late 1800s and brought to New York City in 1920 by a man named Joseph Pilates. Ballet dancers still use Pilates, both mat and apparatus or equipment, in their dance studios across the world today. Pilates on equipment may include the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Wunda Chair, Barrel, and may involve smaller props like the long box, light hand weights, a Magic Circle, neck pillows, or a trapeze. Mat Pilates uses no equipment and can be practiced anywhere with a mat. Pilates classes are taught and learned in levels, beginning with level 1 through level 5.

One can achieve the total benefits of Pilates in just 2 days a week, at a level 1 or 2 class. 10 minutes of Pilates engages more muscles than 10 minutes of any other strength training practice! Pilates has repetitions and uses every small intrinsic muscle in the front, back and sides of the body in each exercise. There is an emphasis on moving with your breath and maintaining the spinal function, which uses core strength. The whole body, from head to toe, gets stronger and more flexible. We should use Pilates as an alternative strength training practice and improve flexibility. There is NO impact on the joints when practicing either mat or apparatus Pilates.

Yoga

I find Yoga to be grounding and thoroughly enjoy both meditation and chanting sessions. There are 1,000 lineages of Yoga, for example, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram or Hot Yoga, Acro Yoga, Restorative Yoga and more. The goal for your Yoga practice may change daily. One day you may need meditation and breathing more than an intense physical Yoga practice. Yoga can be practiced every day or as needed. There are so many wonderful benefits to a daily practice.

Yoga is a broad general term these days and actually means “union” in Sanskrit theory and can be dated to B.C. Classes can be found all over the world in classes, studios, homes, and outdoors. Guided meditation classes are becoming more popular today. It is essential to understand what type of Yoga you want/need before you jump into a Yoga class. For instance, not everyone likes Hot Yoga! If strength is your goal, a Power Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga may work best for you. If relaxation is your goal, Restorative or Yoga Nidra would work for you.

Discussion and endnotes

We may have certain fitness goals to achieve or want to try something new. If you have any more questions about either Pilates or Yoga, please reach anytime at info@thepilatesroomnh.com or book your next session or a free demonstration on our booking page https://thepilatesroomnh.com/book-an-appointment-2/

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Who needs Pilates?

Whether you are a beginner, active aging adult, athlete or someone looking for an alternative strength workout that does not impact your joint, Pilates is right for you. We teach all Levels from never tried Pilates to the seasoned practitioner. If you are looking to increase your balance, breathing, coordination, strength, and flexibility, Pilates is right for you.

If you or someone you know has any of the following conditions, Reformer Pilates and the use of other equipment will be best for your practice.

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Rehabilitation or post-surgery
• Pre and postnatal
• Osteopenia
• Scoliosis
• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Autoimmune disease

What are the benefits?

• Core strength
• Flexibility
• Strength
• Coordination
• Balance
• Improved Reaction time
• Better lung capacity
• Great circulation
• Less joint pain
• Less neck pain
• Less back pain
• Less knee pain
• Self-awareness
• Better posture
• Better sex life
• Move with ease
• and so many more!!

How often should I practice?

• To achieve the best results, we recommend 2 -3 days a week. We offer private, semi-private, mat, and small group circuit training.
• Private training is specifically tailored to one person for the most individual attention.
• Semi-private training is you and another person, so split the cost and grab a friend or family member to workout with.
• Small group training is offered for those with some prior Pilates equipment or mat experience.

Rates

Yoga

Recommended by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Yoga offers numerous benefits including a stronger physical, mental, and emotional awareness. We are currently booking offsite Yoga classes for corporate clientele, athletes, beach Yoga, Yoga for kids, and Acroyoga.  Michele is certified in Hatha Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, Yoga for Movement Disorders, and HeartRise Child’s Yoga. Discover how Yoga can help you build awareness, flexibility, strength, balance and peace of mind. Call us today at (603) 817-4829 for more information or to book at appointment.

Nutrition

A healthy diet is an important contributor to your well-being. Michele McCauley is a Johnson and Wales University trained culinary chef, and a Fitness Nutrition Specialist with the International Sports Sciences Association. Michele offers nutrition workshops that complement her classes. Browse our Food For Thought posts for nutritious and delicious recipes.

How do I schedule my first session?

You can contact us directly at 603-817-4829 or with any questions about where to begin. All sessions are booked by appointment or by calling us.  We provide individual attention starting with a free thirty-minute consultation to discuss your fitness goals.  We ask that you call us so that we can provide individual attention right from the beginning.  

Pilates Equipment

The Pilates Room is a full-service Pilates studio. We offer training on the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Tower, Barrel and mat. We also use smaller props like 2 lb weights, Magic Circles, Yoga blocks, Therabands, Overballs, weighted balls, long box, and the Pilates wedge.

See what others have to say about us!

I’m an active middle age woman, in the gym with a trainer for years.  After Pilates with Michelle I feel muscles I never knew I had and can feel my core getting stronger with only 8 sessions.  Michelle is a caring, knowledgeable instructor who I find gives cues and directions in a clear and engaging way, making the most of every session. You will be so happy after experiencing a Pilates session with Michelle!  Highly recommend.
Alison A

Is Pilates right for you?

Whether you are Pre or Post Natal, Pilates is great for you. Working through your pregnancy is easier with more flexion in your hips and spine. Staying strong in your arms, back, legs, and upper core along with breathing will help you no matter what trimester you are in. We are here to offer guidance throughout your pregnancy, before and after.

Pilates is famous for bringing total body strength and flexibility back to your body post-pregnancy. We recommend contacting us to fill out a complete client history form which will include questions about your individual fitness goals, abilities and limitations.

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