1. 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.
2. What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES 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 PILATES 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.
3. What are the benefits of STOTT PILATES exercise?
* 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 and flexibility
* heightens body awareness
* no-impact, easy on the joints
* can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
* complements other methods of exercise
* improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
* improves balance, coordination and circulation
4. What are the principles behind the STOTT PILATES method?
STOTT PILATES exercise 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 cervical spine placement
5. 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.
6. Will I grow by doing STOTT PILATES exercise?
Much of Pilates exercise is mind-body conditioning which requires you to look within, focus on your breathing, and feel the subtle differences within your body. Many people come to a very meditative state while doing Pilates, and therefore will grow mentally and spiritually over time through this type of exercise. There are also incidences where by strengthening the abdominal muscles people have learned to maintain their stretch and thereby are measurably taller.
Physically, many people have been known to actually get taller by working out consistently. By emphasizing posture, you learn to stretch your spine through Pilates, and by strengthening the deep abdominals to support the rest of the body you learn to maintain your height effortlessly. The most impressive results are those reported by people who have slouched most of their lives and after a few months of practicing pilates they are able to stand up much straighter, and are therefore measurably taller. Even people who have studied dance consistently for years before beginning a pilates program have noticed an increase in their height over time.
