FAQs
What is STOTT PILATES™?
Developed by former professional dancer Moira Merrithew, with input from sports
medicine professionals, STOTT PILATES™ is a contemporary, anatomically-based
approach to Joseph Pilates' original exercise method. Its exercises safely
deliver optimal strength, flexibility and endurance, without adding bulk. This
stress-relieving method can be performed on a mat or using dedicated STOTT
EQUIPMENT.
What is the difference between the STOTT Method
and other pilates techniques?
Unlike the original series of exercises, STOTT PILATES™ incorporates modern
exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal
rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original
approach, which promotes a flat back, STOTT exercises are designed to restore
the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints.
They also place more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are
more preparatory exercises and modifications to make the method safer and more
effective.
What are the benefits of STOTT PILATES™?
- longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
- improves postural problems
- increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
- helps prevent injury
- enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
- balances strength & flexibility
- heightens body awareness
- no-impact - easy on the joints
- can be customized for everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
- complements other methods of exercise
- improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating, dance, etc.)
- improves balance, coordination & circulation
What are the five basic principles
behind STOTT PILATES™?
STOTT PILATES™ improves core strength and balances the muscles around the
joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. It focuses
specifically on:
- Breathing
- Pelvic placement
- Rib-cage placement
- Scapular movement
- Head and neck placement
Is STOTT PILATES™ like yoga?
In some respects pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered
mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth,
long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The
difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the
next without repetitions, pilates flows through a series of movements that are
more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with STOTT PILATES™
exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness.
How is STOTT PILATES™ different or better than
weight training or other resistance exercise?
- pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
- spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
- emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
- STOTT PILATES™ is customizable for special needs
- in pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
- pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury
- pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility
(for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
- STOTT PILATES™ leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness.
What kind of results can I expect
to see from doing STOTT PILATES™?
You can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility, balance, and body
awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain/other general pains.
I have a
bad back. Will I be able to do pilates?
Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness
routine, a pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring
actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified
instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced
instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your
limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your
improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will
certainly feel results.
What is the difference between mat and reformer?
Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However,
a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A Mat workout can also be very
challenging if you have not exercised in a while. Your body weight against
gravity can be more than you bargained for.In that case, a Reformer workout can
ease your body into condition by giving your skeletal structure some support.
In addition, a Reformer workout will add
resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a
mat routine would.
Can I do Pilates while pregnant?
If you have been a
regular Pilates participant before your pregnancy, then yes you can continue,
providing you follow your doctor and STOTT certified Instructor’s advice. You
will need to modify your workout as you go through the different trimesters.
If you wish to
start a Pilates program for the first time, we will insist that you wait 6 to 8
weeks post partum.
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