Individualized Pilates Classes

Pilates is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement. The basic idea is that if the core muscles, the deep abdominals, are strong and doing their job properly, then the rest of body is free to move fully and gracefully without unnecessary tension. As you develop your core strength you develop stability throughout your entire torso.

One of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works so well for a wide range of people. Athletes and dancers love it, as do seniors, women rebounding from pregnancy, and people at various stages of physical rehabilitation. Many report the top benefits of doing Pilates exercise are that they become stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to do anything with grace and ease.

Modification is a major element of Pilates training. With modifications you can make an exercise more or less difficult, or adjust it to compensate for any physical limitations. The body and breath are emphasized as one unit; as each movement flows into another, the mind is fully engaged in the process. There's a high emphasis on breath and form, and muscles are being stretched and strengthened simultaneously, thus creating a longer, leaner body.

Those who excel in sports often find that Pilates principles enhance their "sport of choice". Weight lifting, for example, can put a lot of attention on arm or leg strength without attending much to the fact that those parts are connected to the rest of the body! Even running or swimming can seem like all arms and legs, with either a floppy or overly tense core. Ultimately those who really succeed at their sport learn to use their core muscles, but in Pilates this integrative approach is learned from the beginning. Borrowing a lot of moves from dance therapy, Pilates actually changes the way people use their bodies. Students who take up this exercise begin to move more gracefully, with better posture and more fluidity.

To learn how Pilates can help you and your progress toward fitness, ask to speak to Cindi Schrum, PT.

Cindi is our Director of Outpatient Services supervising all of our licensed staff. She has been with Henning & Cole for over 22 years. Cindi is a Certified Pilates Instructor and regularly incorporates Pilates principles in the treatment of her patients. She looks forward to discussing how Pilates can help you.

Currently available only at our Hunt Valley Office, 10 Warren Road #220, Hunt Valley, MD 410-628-7330