F A Q
WHAT IS THE
STOTT PILATES ® METHOD?
STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates.
Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise and equipment.
This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available.
This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES® training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
WHY ARE YOU TOUTED AS THE "PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE"?
Since its inception over 20 years ago, STOTT PILATES® has grown from a small studio into the world’s most respected Pilates brand.
While much has changed since we first opened our doors in 1988, our mission of promoting the ongoing benefits of mind-body fitness worldwide remains a constant.
Our full-service company provides all the training, equipment and ongoing support you need to build a strong and successful Pilates business.
Whether your goal is to establish Pilates group exercise programs, take your personal training to the next level, set up a fully equipped studio, or train to become a certified instructor – we go the distance to help you succeed.
STOTT PILATES®’ mission is to fulfill the needs of Pilates enthusiasts everywhere and that’s why we’re the number one source for everything Pilates – spanning equipment, education and media.
WHO CAN DO PILATES?
While it is always good to check with your health care professional before beginning any exercise program, Pilates is a form of movement that almost anyone can do.
The beauty of Pilates is that it can be adapted to suit almost any body. At a professional level, dancers, skaters, golfers and other athletes are using Pilates to condition their bodies.
Many people just getting started in an exercise program are also enjoying the benefits of Pilates.
Those dealing with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or injuries can also benefit since the movements are non-jarring and easy on the joints.
The regular exerciser such as runners, cyclists, or swimmers can also enjoy Pilates.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO PAYING MORE MONEY
AND ATTENDING A CLASS WHEN I CAN DO A
PILATES VIDEO AT HOME?
While books and videos are excellent resources, there are many added benefits to attending classes from a qualified instructor.
With a video, you don’t often know if you are doing the exercises correctly. When you attend a class, you get hands-on attention that helps you to perform the exercises safely and correctly.
Doing the exercises correctly will then make your workout more efficient.
Videos will often follow a much quicker pace and often don’t break down the Pilates principles and techniques that are integral to learning this form of movement properly.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STOTT PILATES ® ?
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Longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
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Improves postural problems
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Increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
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Helps prevent injury
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Enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
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Balances strength & flexibility
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Heightens body awareness
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No-impact, easy on the joints
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Can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
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Complements other methods of exercise
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Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
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Improves balance, coordination & circulation
IS STOTT PILATES ® EXERCISE
LIKE YOGA?
In some respects Pilates is like Yoga.
Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection.
The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment.
The goal with STOTT PILATES® exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.
HOW CAN STOTT PILATES ®
BE DIFFERENT THAN WEIGHT TRAINING OR OTHER
RESISTANCE EXCERCISE?
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Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
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Spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
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STOTT PILATES® exercise is customizable for special needs in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
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Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury
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Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
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STOTT PILATES® exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness
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Weight training and STOTT PILATES® can be combined in your fitness program and are a great compliment to each other.
CAN I LOSE WEIGHT JUST DOING PILATES? IF SO,
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN
I LOSE?
Pilates can be a positive addition to your overall weight loss program.
Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories expended.
The most successful and healthy way to achieve weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with a strength training component, such as STOTT PILATES® exercise, and following a balanced diet.
Combining Pilates with aerobic exercise also offers additional benefits: greater mind-body connection, improved posture, flexibility and functionality.
WHAT IS A REFORMER?
The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise.
The Reformer glides forward & backward on rollers and uses springs for resistance, along with other attachments, for a wide variety of exercises and positions (i.e. lying down, seated and standing.)
IS STOTT PILATES ®
EQUIPMENT LIKE THE EQUIPMENT I'VE SEEN
FOR SALE ON TV?
STOTT PILATES® equipment is far more versatile and durable than that sold on TV.
STOTT PILATES® designs and produces top-of-the-line equipment primarily used in clubs, personal training and rehab facilities.
The STOTT PILATES® At Home and SPX™ Reformers are designed for people who want quality equipment for home use or for use in clubs or personal training facilities, respectively.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
OF THIS TYPE OF
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT?
STOTT PILATES® exercise equipment is highly versatile.
It facilitates hundreds of exercise variations, is no-impact (and therefore easy on the joints), allows for modifications for those with injuries or conditions, allows for three-dimensional movement and conditioning, and is suitable for a wide variety of clients (from rehab to pro athlete).
It also facilitates balanced strength and flexibility, provides eccentric and concentric muscle contraction (resistance on the in and out moves), total musculoskeletal conditioning (muscles and postural alignment), and facilitates core conditioning and peripheral mobility.
WHY ARE SPRINGS USED
FOR RESISTANCE INSTEAD
OF WEIGHTS?
By using springs for resistance, STOTT PILATES® equipment provides gradual resistance as your muscles contract, which ensures the muscles are being worked properly.
There is greater resistance at the muscle’s strongest point of contraction and less resistance on the initiation and completion of the contraction so there is less stress on tendons and ligaments.
HOW MUCH RESISTANCE
(IN WEIGHT) DO THE
SPRINGS SUPPLY?
Initial tension is 5 lb. for the first inch of tension (for full strength springs), and then increases by approximately 1 lb. per inch.
Multiply the number of springs and distance traveled to get approximate tension in pounds.
On a STOTT PILATES® Reformer, four springs are full tension & one is half. (Most people will simply note the number of springs used per exercise).
IS THIS EQUIPMENT
GOOD FOR FLEXIBILITY?
Yes, STOTT PILATES® equipment is excellent for improving flexibility. Flexibility is a key component of total fitness that has been largely ignored by other conditioning methods.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STOTT PILATES ® ?
To learn more about STOTT PILATES®, please visit our sister site: www.merrithew.com