Why pilates

A major focus of the Pilates method is alignment and core strength. When alignment is not optimal, the patterns that develop over time can cause undue stress on the musculoskeletal system. Chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and back are often due to this distortion in the body. Pilates works to restore balance in the body by correcting posture, strengthening the core and restoring flexibility.

Here are some of the benefits you’d expect to experience when doing Pilates:

  • An increased awareness of your body and how your body moves.

  • A more balanced muscular system.

  • Better posture which can help alleviate chronic pain caused by poor alignment.

  • A flexible spine capable of moving more freely in all directions.

  • Long, toned and beautifully defined muscles

  • An increased range of motion in the joints.

  • Greater strength in the deep core postural muscles, thus creating a more structurally sound body.

  • Improved use of the breath, which allows body to receive more oxygen and eliminate more waste products, as well as being very meditative.

  • Reduced stress by clearing the mind and learning to be in the present moment.

  • And so much more…


Why LiveBy Pilates

Here’s what to expect when doing Pilates at LiveBy Pilates:

A workout like no other

Pilates is a unique form of exercise that emphasizes control, proper alignment, core strength and flexibility. Where many conventional exercise programs fail to work the body and mind as a whole, or either over-work or over-stretch the body, leaving it prone to injuries, each class at LiveBy Pilates delivers a balanced full-body workout based on the fundamentals and repertoire Joseph Pilates created.

Meditation in motion

Mindfulness is emphasized at LiveBy Pilates, focus on breath and awareness of your body is key. With mindfulness comes concentration, and with proper breathing comes energy and improved cognitive abilities.

Therapeutic

Pilates’ rehabilitation foundation is integrated into each session, be it slow and gentle or fast-paced and athletic. Comprehensively certified teachers are trained to work with the many pathologies and injuries, and understand the contraindications to each movement and the modifications required to make each session safe and effective for all.

Anti-aging

Joseph Pilates used to say: “You are as young as your spine”. You could be 60 and have a flexible spine and you’d feel like you’re 20, and vice versa. Joseph Pilates’ innovative apparatus, like the Reformer, Wunda Chair and Cadillac, use springs for strength training which work to lubricate the joints as they move without stress or impact. This promotes full range of motion and preserves joint health necessary for remaining active and mobile as we age. With correct posture and strong core, you feel centered and balanced and you’ll be able to engage in more activities without the fear of injury or pain.

Long lean muscles

Resistance training using the Pilates apparatus works to strengthen and elongate the muscle fibers creating long lean muscles, versus creating bulk when working with weights. Lean muscles burn fat more efficiently hours after your session is done. Combined with a healthy living style, Pilates will help you with your weight loss goals and give you that appearance of a toned body supported by a beautiful posture.

Adaptable

Not every form of exercise is fit for everyone. At LiveBy Pilates, our clients are as young as 9 years old and as old as 90. We have the competitive athlete and those with chronic pain. Pilates is for everyone; but please be cautioned that I’m not talking about the Pilates you find at the gym. I’m talking about the Pilates taught at a specialized Studio by comprehensively certified teachers.

Small classes

At LiveBy Pilates, our classes are limited to no more than six. Our teachers pay close attention to form and proper execution of each exercise. We are able to modify the exercises per each client’s individual needs.

Flexible schedule

Clients have full online control of their schedules and can book or cancel freely. With two studio locations, downtown and Kanata, clients can book at any location using the same class passes. Complimentary any-time access to the Stretch & Release corner is offered.


Beautiful space

The new LiveBy Pilates downtown Studio is a 2500 sqft, bright, spacious and beautifully decorated open space. This centrally located space is easily accessible to those in the east or the west. Free allocated parking spots are available right in front of the Studio, so expect no stress or tension of trying to find parking spots in the downtown area.

A foundation to Live By

When you start Pilates at LiveBy Pilates, you start on a learning journey - learning about your body and how to improve your mind and body connection. You will find that Pilates becomes a foundation that influences the way you sit, stand or move in your every day life. That’s why we say “Don’t just do it.. Live-By Pilates”.

PILATES FOR INJURIES AND PATHOLOGIES

Did you know that Pilates was initially developed as a therapeutic program to strengthen and balance the musculoskeletal system and restore range and ease of movement in the joints?

Throughout our programs, we help our clients regain their strength, alleviate the pain, enhance their posture and restore ease of movement.

Here are some examples of medical conditions we help with:

  • Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia

  • Herniated or bulged discs

  • Stenosis

  • Scoliosis

  • Sciatica

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Osteoarthritis (OA, Degenerative Joint Disease DJD)

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Neck & Shoulder Pathologies

  • Hip Flexor injury

  • Total Hip Replacement

  • ACL Tear & Knee Pathologies

  • Planter Fasciitis

  • FAI (Femoral Acetabular Impingement)

  • Labral Tear

  • Mastectomy

  • Hysterectomy

  • Diastasis Recti (separated abs)

  • Incontinence

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Depression

  • Graves Disease

  • Mechanical lower and/or upper back pain

  • etc

PILATES & MUSCLE ACTIVATION TECHNIQUES FOR INJURY PREVENTION

Avoid getting injuries in the first place. Pilates helps you realign your posture to its neutral functional state, strengthen and balance the muscles to support this posture and restore spine flexibility and range of motion in your joints. Muscle Activation Techniques work to activate the weak/ inhibited muscles to bring balance to your body. Combined with Pilates, your body will gain the balance, flexibility and strength you need to avoid injury.

Whether you do competitive sports or recreational sports, you will find Pilates will enhance your game and keep you off the side bench.

As for the rest of us, trying to go through our daily lives, playing with our kids or grandkids, shoveling snow or just trying to survive an ice storm without injury, you will find Pilates will bring balance, coordination and strength to your body and prevent you from getting injured.