Pilates is a full body exercise technique improving flexibility and strength while focusing on the core. The Pilates exercises are choreographed which helps teach coordination and uses the breath to facilitate a mind/body connection. Arlette has the family of Pilates equipment including the reformer, trapeze table, wunda chair, barrel and more. Arlette combines floor work, with the equipment in her sessions.
In the early 20th century, Joseph Pilates created the Pilates principles to condition the entire body. These are: alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, flow and integration. He first called this technique Contrology. The Pilates technique has been in practice for over 90 years and is a wonderful way to include the mind in the workout as much as the body. The breath is the bridge from the mind to the body which encourages core activation and adds an awareness that the movement begins in the inside of the body then radiates out. Flowing movements working with the breath unites the body as a whole. Proper alignment, efficiency of the movement while learning to relax what muscles are not being used is emphasized. Together you have the “thinker’s workout”, and students will gain more progress because of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Pilates technique.
Arlette has been teaching the Pilates technique for over 25 years. She has worked with a variety of ages and abilities over this time, and has slowly evolved her approach to the method to work best with the individual. Utilizing the principles, Arlette teaches people how to set their core, and guides them through the exercises with efficiency. Arlette teaches that it is just as important to learn how to relax what you are not using, while building strength and connecting to the body as a whole.