Body Endeavors is the Standard in Classical Pilates
Training in the Midwest
Joseph Pilates began his revolutionary work in the early 1900’s. As a small sickly child in Germany, he was always seeking out ways to heal and strengthen his own frail body. Soon enough he was posing for anatomy charts, creating his own form of exercise, and ideas about health, and ergonomic ways of living. He and his wife Clara worked with injured soldiers in WWI and began developing his special equipment utilizing springs and pulleys. They moved to NYC in the early ‘20s, where they opened a studio that attracted New York’s finest boxers, gymnasts and dancers. The rest is history. Since Joseph Pilates’ death in 1967, his work has spread around the world and taken on many different forms and evolutions. Today, celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Aniston, and athletes such as Jason Kidd and Phil Mickelson, practice Pilates to stay in shape. |
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At Body Endeavors, we focus on teaching the original exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates in a strictly Classical manner. We do not change his exercises, the sequence of exercises or add new equipment to his work. We are purists. We have exceptionally high standards for our staff and provide the best in Classical Style Pilates available in the Chicagoland region.
In a Private or Semi-Private session you will work on all the Pilates equipment and also learn mat work. In a Mat class you will focus exclusively on the floor exercises, in a group setting.
All of the (mat or equipment) exercises provide the following benefits:
• total body conditioning, providing: strength, stretch, stamina and stability
• postural awareness
• non-impact exercise
• injury prevention and rehabilitation
• improved breathing
• better balance and muscle control
• core muscle strength with a focus on the abdominals, lower back and gluteals
In a Private or Semi-Private session we will tailor a workout to your particular skill level, strengths and limitations. In a Mat class we have levels from Beginner to Advanced. We suggest that all new clients start with the Beginner work so that you have a strong foundation as you advance through the program. With over 500 exercises to learn, you will never get bored!
Q - Which is better, Mat or Equipment? Do I need to start with the Mat before I try the equipment or vice-versa?
Both Mat and Equipment exercises are equally beneficial. Many people come multiple times a week to have sessions. You may take a variety of mat and equipment classes, or just one or the other. You will see great results from both. Joseph Pilates intended his work to be taught on both Mat and Equipment, yet was happy to have people do whatever suited their needs best. As for getting started, it is certainly beneficial to try a Starter package of Private sessions first, since you will have a session that is at your pace and level. It will be a forum for you to ask questions of the instructor and will help you determine how the work will best suit you personally, since a consultation is provided at the end of the package. You are also free to try our Beginner Mat classes at a Beginner level and do just as well though. Whatever works best for you is great. Just coming in and making a commitment to Pilates in general will be the best way to get started!
Q - How many times a week to I need to come to see results? How quickly will I see results?
The average client comes 2-3 times a week. Results will come faster the more often you practice, regardless of whether you choose a mix of mat classes, private or semi-private sessions, or only mat or privates. A greater frequency of sessions will speed your learning pace and get you into shape more quickly. Every body is different and, depending on your fitness goals, you may want to supplement your Pilates regimen with other forms of exercise (and a healthy diet). . Within the first 10 sessions, you will gain an increased body-awareness and postural improvement. Within the next 10 sessions you will observe an increase in strength and flexibility. Within the next 10 sessions it all comes together; tone, better posture, flexibility, stamina and stability have come to the whole body.
Q - I have heard that Pilates is great before and after pregnancy. How will it benefit me?
Women who practice Pilates before and during their pregnancy often have an easier delivery and bounce back into shape more quickly. If you have been doing Pilates before your pregnancy, it is great. With your doctor’s approval, you can continue Pilates up until your delivery. If you have gotten pregnant and have never done Pilates before, now is not a good time to start. Your body is going through too many dramatic changes to risk trying something new. Regardless, Pilates is fantastic for all new mothers looking to get back into shape post-partum.
Q - I have a Back condition. Is Pilates good for bad-backs?
The answer is YES!! Pilates is great for back problems. By strengthening your core muscles (these muscles make up your Abdomen, lower back, thighs and bottom) we provide support for your spine. Typically lower back issues are caused because the spine is collapsing with extra body weight, age, poor posture, injury or gravity. By creating a muscular support system for the spine, the body can come back into its more natural state. This reduces back pain and results in better posture in general. In fact, you may find that other body issues are alleviated by strengthening your core also!
Q - Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates is not so effective by itself to lose weight. You will see best results by combining Pilates with a good cardiovascular program and weight training. Pilates does help burn calories and provides muscle strength and tone. So, overall Pilates helps with your general weight loss program. At Body Endeavors we now provide services such as Personal Training and Nutrition to help you create a comprehensive weight loss or wellness program. Please view the other pages of this site for information about these services.
Q - How does a Semi-Private session differ from a Private session?
In a Semi-Private session you will be paired with other clients of the studio for your workout. This is a great way to come extra times a week and is very cost-effective. In a semi-private, you will be a bit more self-reliant, and will need to have a basic working knowledge of the exercises. The session may have multiple levels of clients in it at a time, and can be a fun and challenging way to learn Pilates. We encourage you to try a Semi-Private session after about 15 Privates. We are certain that you will enjoy your session and will want to come again! Please try not to be intimidated.
Q - I am interested in becoming a Pilates instructor. Do you provide training?
Yes we do. Body Endeavors on Halsted Street is an affiliate and Teacher-Training Center of the Power Pilates programs based in NYC. We have provided the highest level in Classical Pilates training available in today’s market since the Fall of 2002. We have trained hundreds of people to teach Mat and Equipment work in the Midwest region, and attract people from other states and countries to our programs also. Please view the page on this website for more info about requirements, dates, and prices of programs. Contact us for more questions, or register for programs and receive further information by viewing the Power Pilates website at www.powerpilates.com. |
