Setting and Reaching Fitness Goals with Pilates

As a teacher of the Pilates method, Sandi Vilacoba of The Pilates Project says she's most fulfilled when she helps her students reach their goals. On her client intake form The Pilates Project asks, "What are your fitness and wellness goals?" "Why Pilates?" These are questions worth discussing. With all the workouts out there, why are you choosing to do Pilates over barre, cross fit, Megaformer, or yoga? If you do do other workouts, why are you adding pilates into the mix?

Here are some specific answers Sandi has received:

• I have low back pain and my doctor suggested that I do Pilates to strengthen my core.
• I just had a baby and I want to strengthen my abdominals safely and effectively.
• I am an avid golf player and I heard Pilates will help me improve my swing.
• I want to stay strong and keep my joints healthy as I age.
• I want to grow an inch.
• I am getting married in a couple of months and I need to tone up to look fabulous in my wedding dress.

These are all great reasons and Pilates is a good choice to achieve these goals. But more often than not, the answers Sandi recieves are a lot more vague.

• I want to look better.
• I want to feel better.
• I want the pilates body.
• I heard Kate Hudson does Pilates and I want to look like her.

If looking better means improving your posture, tightening your abs, and toning up your muscles you are in the right place. However, if looking better means dropping 20 lbs, you may need to combine pilates with healthy eating or consulting a nutritionist.

If feeling better means getting stronger, having more stamina and feeling less achy, Pilates will help. If you have a serious injury and are looking to exercise without pain, you may need to see a physician or combine pilates with physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture.

If you are trying to look like Kate Hudson... you may need a different set of parents.

Reaching your Goal

Once you establish a realistic attainable goal, The Pilates Project can help you create a system to reach it. The Pilates method is a system which includes hundreds of exercises with many different pieces of apparatus. The exercises can be applied to the body in so many different ways to achieve stamina, strength, stability and stretch.

For example, if you want to tone up before summer - The Pilates Project adds some extra springs and resistance into your workout and asks you to show up or perform your exercises 3 days a week. Toning up is the goal. Resistance training with springs 3 times a week can get you there by summer.

If you are a long time Pilates client and you surpassed your original goal, it could be time to set a new one. How about perfecting an exercise that you struggle with or attempting an exercise you never thought you'd master? The sky is the limit.

Studio Happenings at The Pilates Project

Real Pilates Teacher Training

Alycea Ungaro and Real Pilates NYC and host their Classical Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training program at The Pilates Project beginning in July. Applications now accepted. Read more about Real Pilates Teacher Training here or email studio@thepilatesproject.net for more info.

Teen Pilates, Shop & Snack at Athleta Shrewsbury

Monday June 5 from 5 - 6 p.m. ~ Bend , twist, and roll your way through the Pilates method in the FUN class specifically designed for preteens. (but ALL TEENS welcome). Alissa Gary from The Pilates Project will teach this class which features partner work, and small props. Great for flexibility, posture, body awareness, strength and sport performance. This is a one hour class with plenty of time after to shop and grab a healthy snack. Bring a yoga mat and a friend. RSVP here.