What are the principles behind STOTT PILATES?
STOTT PILATES improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. It focuses specifically on:
1 Breathing
2 Pelvic placement
3 Rib-cage placement
4 Scapular movement
5 Head & cervical spine placement

Is STOTT PILATES like yoga?
In some respects pilates conditioning is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness.

How is STOTT PILATES different or better than weight training or other resistance exercise?
• pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
• spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
• emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
• STOTT PILATES is customizable for special needs
• in pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
• pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury
• pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
• STOTT PILATES leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness.

If I'm doing pilates, should I still do my regular workout?
STOTT PILATES is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. In combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness, etc.), it's all you need. For people who reach advanced levels, they can actually elevate their heart rate with STOTT Power workouts.