Your Pilates Class Guide at Castle Hill Fitness

A man hanging on a Pilates cadillac while being guided by a Pilates instructor.

The Full Body Workout Everyone Should Be Doing

Whether or not you are versed in all the fitness lingo, chances are you’ve heard of celebs and athletes doing Pilates. Pilates has soared in popularity in the past 10-15 years, but its origins actually date further back. Nearly 100 years ago, a gymnast, bodybuilder, boxer, self-defense instructor, and circus performer named Joseph Pilates developed this exercise method to maintain “true health”. He defined this as “the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body”, including the mind and spirit.

What is Pilates?

In a nutshell, Pilates is a series of principles and exercises that address the body as a whole, including the breath and nervous system. Pilates is often performed on specially-designed equipment and props, but it can also be practiced with just a mat and your body. (See our Pilates Primer for a more in-depth exploration of the Pilates method.)

If you’re new to Pilates, diving into a class may seem a bit daunting. Like Yoga, there are many different styles of classes. In our Pilates class guide, we’ll explain the different types so you can start your journey with confidence!

The Benefits of Pilates:

» Core Stabilization and Strengthening
» Flexibility
» Coordination
» Balance
» Breath control
» Improved Posture
» Help with lower back problems

The increase of overall fitness and body awareness that stems from Pilates makes it the perfect complement to a cross-training routine. The improved movement patterns and developed uniformity of muscles and joints positively impact other workouts such as running, weight-lifting, cycling, and more. It’s even common for professional athletes like NFL players to include it in their routine to supplement their athletic performance. At its core, though (pun totally intended), Pilates is meant for everybody and anybody!

Your Pilates Class Guide

At Castle Hill Fitness, we categorize our classes into 3 different types: Pilates Equipment, Pilates Mat, and Pilates Cardio.

Pilates Equipment Classes

Experience the full repertoire of the Pilates Equipment – the Pilates reformer, tower, and Wunda Chair. These classes provide a wonderful resistance workout in an accessible environment. You can expect a fun, core-centered class that will tone, lengthen, and improve your range of motion.

Pilates Mat Classes

These classes will work your legs, stomach, and back from the Pilates mat. The Pilates mat workout builds, sculpts, and stretches the body through a series of floor exercises and props. Improved posture and spinal health are extra benefits of Pilates mat work.

Pilates Cardio Classes

These classes bridge the Pilates equipment repertoire with a cardio workout. Classes are formatted as a circuit of stations and intervals, and use equipment such as rebounders to keep the blood pumping and the pace high.

A Class for Every Level

Our classes range by level of experience with the system of Pilates. From beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone! We offer a lot of options, so it can be hard knowing where to start. All our classes promise an effective workout, but you don’t want to be willy-nilly about what you sign up for.

Master Pilates Instructor, Lindsay Lark, offers the following advice for selecting your classes:

“Choosing the right class can greatly affect your experience with any workout. There is a learning curve when using a new piece of fitness equipment – part of a successful class is understanding how that equipment works. Starting with a beginner Pilates class, even if you are a seasoned fitness professional, can prepare you for an intermediate class. During class, we are working to build muscle and mind/body connections. A slower pace helps solidify those connections, and the teacher has a chance to watch you move and give feedback. The instructor’s goal is to give everyone a safe, effective workout. We want all of our clients to feel confident, strong, and tall when they walk out of the Pilates room.”

To start you off on a strong foot, we’ve listed some ideal classes for each level of Pilates practitioner. But you can see the full Pilates class schedule, as well as available times, here.

For the Pilates Newbie

BEGINNER PILATES EQUIPMENT

This class builds upon the Foundational concepts and exercises of the Pilates method. Movements are focused and purposeful as you gain an understanding of the many aspects of the Pilates equipment.

Once You’ve Hit the Groove

ALL LEVELS PILATES EQUIPMENT

Create strength, balance, and flexibility while exploring the Pilates repertoire using our Wall Units, Combo Chairs, and multiple Pilates props. This total body workout emphasizing the core throughout is ideal for beginner to advanced students. Modifications given for all levels.

PILATES REBOUND

This 45-minute high-intensity, low-impact class utilizes a rebounder (mini-trampoline) to challenge and improve cardiovascular health, while exploring the Pilates repertoire using Wall Units, Combo Chairs, and multiple Pilates props. The benefits of our Pilates Rebound class are endless… it boosts balance and stability, strengthens pelvic floor muscles, and increases bone density while utilizing the core throughout the class.

For the Pilates Pro

INTERMEDIATE PILATES EQUIPMENT

Rotate among the chair, the reformer, the wall unit and the mat. This is a fast-paced class; knowledge of Pilates principles, equipment, and terms are expected.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED MAT PILATES

Dive deep into the advanced Classical Pilates repertoire in a challenging, total body conditioning mat class!

Your Key to Success

We hope you enjoyed our Pilates Class Guide, and remember: Repetition is the key to success- attending two to three weekly classes will ensure quicker and more consistent results. Members enjoy free monthly classes (unlimited for VIP/VIP Plus) or are available a la carte. With our vast schedule and highly qualified instructors, you can develop a strong, well-rounded Pilates practice!

For a more in-depth education of specialized Pilates techniques, we recommend signing up for Private Lessons with an Instructor, or attending one of our Pilates-themed workshops and specialized class series.

Learn more about our Pilates instructor team s by clicking the headshots below.