Get Lean ~ Get Strong ~ Get Flexible

What is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise discipline focused on developing length, strength, endurance and flexibility in the core muscles of the body - the abdominals, obliques, hip flexors, and deep spinal muscles.  Originally developed by Joseph Pilates to assist patient rehabilitation, Pilates has evolved over the past 80 years into a recognized component of total wellness programs for people of all ages, all abilities, and all levels of physical condition.

What is Thrive Pilates?

Thrive Pilates is our presentation of classic Pilates exercises, employing both the mat and apparatus, designed to improve your functional fitness. A Thrive session tends to be more athletic and continuous than other methods, and incorporates the full range of modern props - stability balls, toning balls, foam rollers, Pilates Circles - into mat and Reformer practice.  The Thrive Pilates method is commited to constant growth, incorporating the latest findings in exercise science, anatomy, and rehabilitative therapy into the classic Pilates discipline.  Pilates fundamentals of spinal alignment, pelvic stability, ribcage breathing, differentiation and rotation are stressed in the introductory classes and reinforced thoughout all levels of practice.

What is a Pilates Mat Class?

In a mat class, Pilates exercises are performed on the floor, with participants laying, seated, or standing on a padded mat.  The emphasis is on development of deep abdominal and back muscles, and improvement of spinal flexibility.  Mat classes are a great introduction to Pilates.

What is a Group Reformer class?

The Reformer is a tremendously verasatile Pilates apparatus supporting a full range of abdominal, back, leg, shoulder, and arm exercises.  In a Group Reformer class, 6 students are guided through a full body workout under the watchful eye of a certified Pilates instructor.  Group Reformer is a flexible and affordable option for adding strengthening, lengthening, and balance to your wellness routine.  It's a great complement to Pilates mat classes.

What is Pilates Personal  Training?

Pilates Personal Training provides dedicated attention to the specific needs and goals of the client.  The full range of Pilates apparatus - the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Trapeze Table and Cadillac - is employed.  Pilates Personal Training is ideal for athletes seeking to fine tune their level of performance; for individuals with chronic health problems; and for anyone seeking to jump start their fitness program.

Does Thrive Pilates use props?

Thrive Pilates uses props in both mat and apparatus classes, at all levels of difficulty.  For beginner or rehabilitation clients, props such as stability balls, stretch bands, foam rollers, and flex rings can enable performance of basic exercises while maintaining proper form, and can give weak lower back and neck muscles a chance to strengthen.  For advanced clients, these same props can make individual exercises far more challenging and intense.  At all levels, props keep Pilates mat and apparatus classes fresh, different, and evolving.

What do I wear to class?

Wear comfortable clothing - nothing too baggy, since we need to assess your posture and alignment while performing exercises.  We recommend the Agility pant from Be Present, available at Thrive.  Shoes are not worn during mat classes.  If you want to keep socks on, we recommend socks with rubber grip bottoms such as Toe Sox  www.toesox.com

Do I have to be a member of The Energy Club to take a Thrive Pilates Class?

No - all classes posted on the Class Schedule page are open to the public.  Additional Mat and Reformer classes are available for Energy Club members. Interested in joining The Energy Club?  Call 703-824-0600 or email bduda@theenergyclub.com.