pilates and more for the mountain minded
pilates & more for the mountain minded
why pilates?
Pilates (or the Pilates method) is a series of exercises inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet, but modern day pilates can include additional elements of resistance or strength training. It has been around for almost 100 years, but has exponentially grown in popularity in the last 10 years due to its undeniable health and fitness benefits.
Pilates promotes mobility, balance and strength of all the major muscle groups of the body, with a specific focus on strengthening deep core muscles from the inside out. It can improve posture, flexibility, strength, balance, athletic performance, stability and body awareness.
In the 1920s, physical trainer Joseph Pilates recognized how new, modern lifestyles were negatively impacting balance, posture and overall physical health. He developed a movement method - later to be called Pilates - to help injured athletes and dancers safely return to exercise and maintain their fitness. Since then, Pilates was adapted to help people in the general community develop strength in a balanced way. (Plus athletes still use it the world over!) Pilates also has a special role in helping women improve pelvic floor/core tone and function after childbirth once they are approved by their physician.
Some of the exercises may seem simple, but in Pilates, there is intense concentration that combines breathing, light to heavy resistance, core engagement and movement. The quality of each posture is often more important than the number of repetitions. Due to the individual attention and adaptable spring tensions, this method can suit everybody from elite athletes, to individuals with limited mobility to people who are just getting started with a fitness routine.
In standard weight training environments, and even some physical therapy, you may just strengthen or rehabilitate one specific muscle at a time. But in pilates, the exercises are integrated as we strengthen, mimicking functional movement in life and sports. Thus, instead of just doing a bicep curl, in pilates you may be engaging your core while stabilizing your shoulder and possibly even working an opposite limb all at the same time!
why studio core?
We mean it when we say our studioCORE mission is to provide "Pilates and more for the mountain minded". Teton Valley, Jackson and the surrounding areas are filled with people who live to play in the outdoors (on foot, on skis, on bikes, on boats, in gardens and more!) So, when we say the "mountain minded"...we mean anyone who has a mind - and heart - for the mountains.
Maybe you are an athlete who wants to improve your core strength in an intrinsic way. Sit ups will only do so much, but pilates can increase your balance while you bomb down the hill on skis or can help prevent a back injury when you take a fall from your mountain bike.
Perhaps you are in your 60s/70s and love to hike with your friends, but you have lost some strength, flexibility and balance over the years. At studioCORE, you can workout next to someone 30 years younger than you, and BOTH of you will get a challenging workout that is safe and effective.
Possibly you are in your 20s/30s and love to "ski the pass" followed by a yoga class. But that new desk job has caused some back pain, and you realized you want to supplement powder turns with exercises that go beyond stretching and instead focus on toning, activating muscles and improving core strength.
Or like us, you are in your 40s/50s and find that you still love to "go hard" (or soft!) in the mountains, but you are just a little less agile and have a few more injuries than you used to have. Those joints need a workout that challenges you to stabilize, strengthen AND mobilize for long days in the mountains.
Most of all, we like to think that we have created a fun, inclusive, encouraging, and educational space. People who are new to pilates, or who may feel intimidated, are ABSOLUTELY welcome. We personalize the small group experience so that everyone gets a good workout, everyone is supported, and everyone learns. (And based on how we usually roll, we suspect that everyone will laugh a little too!). We can't wait to meet you.