The Meon Pilates Studio

What is Pilates?

The Benefits & Aims of Pilates

FAQ

What is STOTT PILATES exercise?

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 PILATES equipment.

Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.

What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES Method and other pilates techniques?

STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to everyday life.

The average active person doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and other factors such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries. It is also important to work with a well trained Certified Instructor.

Is STOTT PILATES exercise 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.

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. An instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements.

Will I get the same results with a mat workout as with a reformer or equipment workout?

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance.

A reformer workout, on the other hand, will add resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a matwork routine would.

If I’m doing pilates, should I still do my regular workout?

STOTT PILATES exercise is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program and can be combined with cardiovascular exercise.

For people who reach advanced levels, they can elevate their heart rate with STOTT PILATES Power Paced workouts.

How is STOTT PILATES exercise different from weight training or other resistance exercise?

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.