Pilates Classes Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 9:30 to 10:30a.

Meet IHWC’s new Pilates instructor, Liza Kirkham and check out pilates! Cost for this 15 week (45 sessions) pass is $360 for members and $425 for guests.

***For those of you who cannot attend all classes offered, please sign up now for a 10 class pass for only $120. Email Liza at lizakbryan@hotmail.com for more information***

Classical Pilates Teachers are trained to teach in the Classical Pilates Method (Contrology), as created by Joseph Pilates. We do not offer hybrids or variation on these exercises. We follow the purest form of Pilates exercise that has been proven to work for over 50 years. The Classical Approach to teaching is a movement-based, systematic, and integrative style of Pilates. Pilates, taught in this style, is the anti-aging drug that people crave. The goal of the Classical Pilates Method is to have each client own the Pilates Exercises by concentrating on form and technique. Having clients learn in a flowing style, with appropriate corrections at the appropriate time, will transform their bodies and rid them of the compensatory weakness that contribute to chronic injuries. Clients' bodies will change from the core or powerhouse (i.e. from the inside out). There will be noticeable improvement in posture, strength, stamina, flexibility , concentration, and an overall feeling of wellness.

In recent years there has been a growing movement to take the Classical Pilates Method and modify each exercise. Like any other physical system, it has been vulnerable to interpretation and embellishment that reflect the experiences of the practitioner. The end result has been a Pilates style that is modified into something contrary to the original Pilates Method. Such examples are Windsor Pilates, Ron Fletcher Pilates, Yogalates and many more that call themselves Pilates. These techniques are not true to Classical Pilates.

What should you expect from your Pilates workout? First, you should expect to learn an ordered series of exercises that work the entire body from the top to the bottom. Expect it to be efficient: by decreasing overall repetitions and increasing the work of each motion, you will obtain rapid and long-lasting results. Plan to work rigorously, with no impact to your joints. Prepare to strengthen and stretch your body during every exercise, rotating positions from lying to sitting to kneeling. Ready yourself to activate your mind as you exercise, developing and increasing your awareness of your body. Finally, and most important have fun.

Joseph Pilates formulated six original principles that will both establish and improve the quality of your workout.

Breath- Learn to breath correctly. Correct breathing oxygenates the blood and increases circulation. In Pilates, a structured breathing technique is an effective tool that is meant to enhance and ease your movements. As a general rule, we inhale to prepare for a movement and exhale as we execute it, particularly through the more difficult portions.

Concentration- There are no mindless or careless moments in Pilates. During each portion of every movement you should be conducting an internal dialogue, directing your body through the exercise. Concentrate on what is incorrect, and concentrate on improving your form by focusing on every detail. When you perform a mental checklist during each exercise, you will begin to master the learning process.

Control- In any physical science, control must be practiced and developed Pilates requires the complete control of your body by your mind. Every motion you perform should be meticulously calculated and planned to avoid injury.

Centering- Pilates is often described as "movement flowing out from a strong center." Your Center or Powerhouse is the foundation for all of your movements. No arm or leg gesture occurs without a strong or stable center. Center is defined as wide band of midsection from your navel around your lower back, extending from you lower ribs to just below your buttocks.

Precision- Precision elevates the benefits of each exercise from superficial to intense. Do not focus simply on completing an exercise but performing it as perfectly as possible. Apply precision to all aspects of your workout and your body and mind benefit. Be precise in your approach, your focus, and your form.

Flow- Movement is by nature continuous: In daily life, movements are connected to one another and are never fragmented or isolated. In your Pilates workout, concentrate on flow during each individual exercise, but also as you thread each exercise together. Executed this way your workout will improve your balance, control, and coordination, thus preparing your body for the rigorous demands of daily life.

The language of Pilates:

Lateral Breathing, Pilates Box, The Powerhouse(Abs in and up), Chin to Chest, The Act of Scooping (navel to spine or scoop), Controlled Mobility, Opening up the Chest, Opposition, Spine Articulation, Stabilize, Anchor, Plant, Lengthening, Shoulderblades Down your Back, Pilates Stance, Hugging the Midline, Floating Rib Cage, and C-Curve.