What Is Pilates?

Pilates is not Yoga and is not mainly Stretching!

Many People are under the assumption that Pilates is mainly stretching. I hear it more often then not explained as and or compared to Yoga. Do not get me wrong, I think that Yoga is great and can be very beneficial, but Pilates and Yoga are very different. Add Pilates Apparatus machines such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair and you get a very powerful and balanced resistance workout.

Getting back to the explanation of Pilates not being primarily stretching. It is true that Pilates does lengthen your muscles and help you to become more flexible as well as creating a very strong Core. However, this is not mainly due to stretching. Pilates is so effective for flexibility and pain relief because it is a BALANCED resistance work out. Pilates exercises focus and strive to build, stabilize, strengthen and lengthen all muscle groups (on all planes of movement), in every session. Almost every movement or exercise is meant to be executed with precision and to that muscles maximum SAFE range of motion. Basically where that muscle or muscle group can reach while still stabilizing the muscles attachment.. Scapula (shoulder blades) Pelvic and Spine. If these movements are done correctly and with ease then Resistance can be increased to help build more effective and stronger muscle. Ultimately creating an EVENLY and strong conditioned body, leaving no muscle group over OR under worked.

The best way to understand what Pilates can do for you and how it cannot only increase your flexibility, but how it can condition your body to me more balanced and strong is to experience it!

Click here to discover all the benefits of Pilates and how you can start changing your life! For more information about Fitness Quest 10’s Pilates program call us at 858-271-1171.

Stephanie Scarbrough was born and raised in sunny Southern California. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor and Massage Therapist. Stephanie moved to Salt Lake City Utah after high school to attend the 1,000 hour Massage Therapy Certification Program at U.C.M.T. After graduation Stephanie moved back to California where she continued her nine year massage career mostly in Chiropractic offices focusing on Injury, Deep Tissue and Sports Massage, but has also worked in Spa’s, Private Practice and was an Instructor of Massage Therapy at Concorde Career College in San Bernardino, California.

About four years ago Stephanie was injured in a car accident and could no longer do Massage Therapy full time. She discovered Pilates as a form of rehabilitation for her injuries and feel in love with it. Stephanie then attended The Sheppard Method 450 hour Pilates Certification program in Los Angeles California. She is certified in Pilates Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Latter Barrel. She then opened her opened her own practice in Long Beach California combining Massage Therapy and Pilates. Stephanie has experience training clients of all ages and with many different types of Injuries, Pathologies but has also taught Pilates Boot Camp Classes and enjoys giving challenging and fun workouts.