Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1020464
18 WAC Magazine | wac.net Whether classical or contemporary, Pilates strengthens your core, improves posture, and can help with injury recovery. u Pilates training The Rolf Method Meet the athlete Instructor insights From inside the WAC's Pilates studio on the 4th Floor, I oen smile as I watch new members walk by during their first tour of the Club. Oentimes, the first thing people think of when they see Pilates equipment is a medieval torture chamber. Although Pilates' springs, cables and pulleys may look daunting, they're actually very important tools in the hands of practiced instructors, who use them to improve the flexibility and increase the muscle strength of their students. e practice of Pilates was founded by German immigrant Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as way to help bed-bound hospital patients strengthen and tone their core muscles. It was later adopted by the dance community for the same reasons. Today, many versions of Pilates' original techniques are taught to students ranging from top athletes looking to prevent injuries to everyday fitness enthusiasts hoping to improve posture and core strength. e practice of Pilates has evolved over the years, ranging from a "classical" approach, which strictly adheres to its founder's specific series of movements and exercises, to "contemporary" Pilates, which allows instructors to tailor exer- cises to match the physical requirements of each student. Here at the WAC, we blend styles in response to the needs of our members. As a classical Pilates teacher who has had the privilege of working with a diverse group of trainers from all backgrounds, I prefer to incorporate a multitude of exercise techniques. Joseph Pilates knew that our bodies were meant to move, and the groundbreaking meth- Living Fit Mixed method Pilates instruction that blends classical and contemporary styles By Danielle Ortiz, WAC Pilates Instructor