Pilates

Click here to view our Pilates Mat Class Schedule
The founder, Joseph Pilates, once noted, "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a well-balanced sequence are worth more than hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortions." He based his work on principles of back rehabilitation and postural training for dancers. What has taken the fitness movement by storm for over 70 years is now in popular culture and is used to teach optimal core (trunk) function to correct postural imbalances, increase flexibility, improve breathing and increase abdominal strength and torso stabilization.
 
Certified Pilates instructors use a unique approach to guide participants to experience integrative movement from the inside out. Instruction is based on how to perform specific movements rather than on the number of sets and repetitions as is common with other types of activities, i.e., strength training. Pilates is designed to help you become more aware of your body and its movement. By developing two centers of control: the deep and lower abdominals and the mid-back muscles, you are guided to teach your body how to initiate movement by stabilizing the spine, pelvic and shoulder girdle, therefore allowing your limbs to more freely move.

Working the deep intrinsic, supporting muscles enables your body to improve alignment and breathing which encourages more efficient movement. Our certified instructors guide you to work through each movement, allowing the strength of your muscles to work in alignment with their true function.
 
BENEFITS:

Pilates is unique in that it is designed to simultaneously develop strength and flexibility. It enables you to perform movements in gravity-reduced settings, allowing the isolation of core muscles while overcoming physical limitations. The following is a short list of the benefits you will experience when consistently participating in Pilates:

• Improved posture and body alignment
• Increased range of motion and flexibility
• Optimal development of long, lean muscles
• Increased core (abdominal) strength & spinal/pelvic stability
• Improved fluidity and ease of movement
• Greater overall balance
• Enhanced mobility and agility
• Improved athletic performance (i.e., golf, tennis, dance, skiing, etc.)
• Decreased risk of soft tissue & joint pain/injury

For more information on how you can become involved, contact Tom Hart at tom@wcsf.net.

PILATES ALLEGRO REFORMER CAMPS
Click here to view our Pilates Allegro Reformer Camp Schedule
Have you wondered how the great dancers of the world stay healthy and strong, or how, week to week, the “Dancing with the Stars” pros and celebrities manage their health between shows? You can engage in what the great dancers and athletes have realized for decades, right here in the Pilates Studio at WCSFC! This mindbody program is conducted in our Pilates Studio, in small-group settings, led by Certified Pilates Reformer Trainers, and is designed to help you find balance and become mindfully centered in a matter of 6-weeks (Introductory Level). For those with more advanced experience, we have Level 2+ programs using our Allegro Reformers are designed for you. Group classes are based on the progressive system: as you become more proficient in Level 1, you are able to move into a more advanced group to learn exercises that will take you to higher levels of focused breath, greater muscle balance, enhanced posture, greater flexibility and core strength.

PILATES TRAINERS
Karen Chappell
Karen discovered the wonders of Pilates, became certified through Powerhouse Pilates and Turning Point Studio.and started teaching Pilates in 2002. Karen's training style focuses on the fine details, providing students with all the tools that will help them reach their full potential through proper form, posture and quality of movement.

Laurie Koneski
Laurie Koneski, a full-time fitness professional, holds numerous certifications including: Pilates, Spinning*, Cycle/Rep Reebok, SilverSneakers*,  Personal Training & Nutri-sha-licious*.  With 20+ years experience, she integrates other concepts/techniques in her Pilates training including athletic conditioning, stability/balance, visualization, & breathing/relaxation coaching to help clients achieve their personal goals.

Kerry Silverstone
Kerry Silverstone, a fitness professional and Master Class Presenter since 1982, is certified through The Turning Point Studios in Walnut Creek. "I view Pilates as an active massage. My body has never felt better...all the aches and pains stemming from 25 years of high intensity workouts are totally gone! You just can't beat it!"

David Woods
From Ballet dancer/choreographer to Group Fitness instructor to Personal Trainer, David does it all. He is certified through the Physical-Mind Institute and takes solid Pilates techniques and incorporates other methods from his background to give you an inspiring and challenging workout.