Pilates & Yoga

Pilates

The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over ninety years ago by Joseph H Pilates. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, provides flexibility and balance, unites body and mind, and creates a more stream like shape without building bulk.

Whether you are in rehab, a fitness enthusiast or an elite athlete the aim remains the same, OPTIMAL MUSCULOSKELITAL PERFORMANCE.

The Pilates philosophy focuses on training the mind and body to work together towards the goal of overall fitness. With the physical and mental pressures of a busy schedule, Pilates helps to reeducate ourselves to work our bodies with efficiency.

The beauty of Pilates is that once you understand the core of its philosophy, its movements can be translated into any format. Each exercise is an important movement in itself and can be used as a way to stretch and move correctly in the course of your day, but is not a limited exercise regiment. Many people use the essence of the exercises to enhance other activities; athletes employ the movements and philosophy of Pilates in their sports. Whether you’re an athlete or a couch potato, young and limber or old and inflexible, the Pilates method can and does change the way you relate to your own body and the way you carry it in the world.

“Intelligent exercise translates into profound results.” (Joseph Pilates)

BENEFITS

• Longer, leaner muscles
• Core strength and stability
• Injury prevention
• Relief from stress and back pain
• Improved posture
• Improved balance and coordination
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Effective post rehabilitation
• Heightened mind and body awareness
• Increased self confidence

The ORC’s commitment to you…is to provide a carefree environment while fostering a safe, progressive and educational experience for each participant.

ORC MAT CLASSES

With a focus on core stability including pelvic and shoulder girdle stabilization, head and neck placement, neutral alignment and patterned breathing (pilates 5 basic principles). Pilates helps to restore and support the natural curves of the spine, which get compromised as we carry ourselves through our daily lives. The result is a balanced and aligned body that looks fit and feels revitalized and moves with ease.

Pilates Essential Mat

This series of 10 classes is the prerequisite and are intended to prepare the participants for the Pilates level 2 and 3 group exercise classes. Participants will learn and apply the five essential Pilates principles to the essential exercises and prepitory exercises to assist you in the pilates 2 and 3 mat classes. You will receive 3 handouts through out the program to assist you through the learning process. Class one: Each participant will be asked to fill in a goal sheet, to highlight their individual expectation for the classes and to indicate injury concerns. The instructor can then identify specific modifications to the exercises to make them more appropriate to each participants needs. An Understanding the Pilates Principles handout will also be offered in the first class of the session to assist you. Class 6- 8 you will receive a Pilates Beginner Mat work exercise handout for individual reflection. Each participant is required to attend at least 8 of the 10 classes and is required to achieve a good understanding of the Pilates essential exercises in order to be awarded a Pilates 2 and 3 class pass. Classes and fee details are listed in the program guide. Members and non-members are welcome.

Reformer Training
The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise. The Reformer glides forward and 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.) By adding light equipment and the larger resistance equipment it will place more emphasis on your outer limbs and add variety to your program.

What is yoga?
Yoga means “union”…

Although many people think this term refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, the traditional acceptance is union between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness.

How do I get there?

The four paths of yoga…
There are four main paths of Yoga – Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. While it is suggested that we have some experience on all paths, each is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination.

Karma     Action
Bhakti      Devotion & “Compassion”
Jnana       Knowledge & Wisdom
Raja*        Physical & Mental Balance

What is it based on? The five principles of yoga…
*There are hundreds of techniques and therefore as many different Yogas. In order to simplify and clarify the topic, the vast science of Yoga can be summarized into 5 principles of Yoga, which are easy to understand and to include in one's daily life.

Exercise        Asanas*
Breathing      Pranayama*
Relaxation    Savasana*
Diet                Vegetarian
Meditation     hyana

What are we doing? 8,400,000 Asanas…
The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means steady pose with ease. This is because the Yoga Asana (or posture) is meant to be held for some time – allowing for calming of the mind and body. However this is quite an advanced practice. Initially, our concern is simply to increase core stability, body flexibility and balance.

Each class will include…

Breathing                           Pranayama*
Warm-up                           Surya Namaskar* (Sun Salutations)
Essential postures          Asanas*
Cool-down                        Savasana* (Relaxation)