By Leslee Bender founder of TPC

Not all Pilates are the same and many trainers may have been a student and attended a weekend workshop and now consider themselves experts in the field. When looking for a certified trainer, you want to know their background in exercise physiology and how many years were they actually teaching? Many Pilates classes are generic and do not cater to the individual due to the trainer is not aware of injuries or problems with their students. Therefore, the results are not what they could be or, they can lead to future injuries.

Joseph Pilates never intended for there to be large classes with instructors with little or no background in his philosophy of training.  His training was very specific in nature and many of the exercises were for a dance community. There were not the large facilities we see today. For example it would be the same to ask a new student in a dressage class to perform a fourth level exam when they have only ridden a few times.

The equestrian needs a supple back and yet a strong core in order to keep their balance and rhythm with the horse. There are of course many forms of riding, but with many common goals of form and function. Dressage in particular takes a lot for horse and rider to bond on a universal understanding which takes discipline and patience. As in Pilates training it is the same. Pilates works from the inside out rather than focusing on the strong overpowering muscles we focus on the weaker ones that need more attention. These muscles happen to be the same ones needed in riding.

Pilates has many machines used in training that are very different to other forms of equipment. Springs are used rather than weights  to work the muscles to their longest length to increase flexibility and yet not lose strength.

The muscles used primarily in riding lower quadrant are the inner thighs “adductor,” hamstrings, calves and soleaus and glutes. Also a big part is the core consisting mainly of the Transverse Abdominus, internal and external obliques and Rectus Abdominus. And the muscles supporting and stabilizing the spine predominately the Multifidus and middle and lower Trapezius. All of which are known as the upper and lower powerhouse muscles.

Depending on which discipline you compete or ride for pleasure in all of these muscles play a big role in stabilizing your body and giving you the capability of asking your horse what you want. Pilates greatly improves posture in riding due to the muscles concentrated on mentioned above. With regular practice of the exercises you will feel your strength and endurance improve greatly. Pilates believed that there can be a 30 year old living in an 80 year old body, or and 80 year old living in a 30 year old body. A body that is free of sickness and has a zest for life was his belief in his method.  

The Pilates Coach offers private and semi private sessions for all levels focusing on your specific needs and goals for maximum results. We treat everybody individually and not generically.

Leslee Bender has been teaching Pilates for over 8 years and has been in the fitness industry for over 25. She presents internationally with over 15 certifications including the American college of sports medicine. She has filmed and produced over 10 DVD’s.