Meet Bianca!
Bianca is our Nationally Certified Pilates instructor!
She has taught Pilates since 2021 both in group classes, private sessions and as an online instructor. Prior to getting her accreditation for Pilates, she was a Junior Olympic competitive gymnastics coach for 15 years. With a background in dance and movement, finding Pilates was a blessing that continues to support her love of sports, like golf and skiing.
Bianca hosts 50 minute sessions between the hours of 10am - 6pm on Mondays, 12:15pm - 5pm on Tuesdays, 9am - 6pm on Wednesdays, 12pm - 3:15pm on Thursdays, and 8am - 3pm on Fridays.
To schedule, call/text the office at (206) 525 - 5664!
Pilates Principles: Breathing, Alignment, Concentration, Control, Precision, Centering, Flow
What is Pilates?
Pilates, created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900's, is a mode of exercise integrating the above 7 principles to assist those needing to: rehabilitate from injuries, increasing strength and flexibility, and/or engage in life’s activities with vigor and health. Joe’s original set of core exercises addressed posture and alignment, and focused on strengthening the entire body from the deepest muscles outward. This original set of exercises was called “Contrology,” as it was Joe’s belief that “control” was the most important component of moving the body.
How can Pilates help me?
Working to find better postural alignment, as well as understanding where we are lacking in strength or flexibility, will help to even out muscle imbalances. In our daily lives, it is normal to be: seated at a computer for many hours, looking at our cell phones for extended periods, or watching tv on a squishy (comfy) couch. All of these positions can leave us with poor posture, also known as a forward leaning head while we look at screens. Working to strengthen the deep core muscles that hold your skeletal system upright helps to even out these imbalances. Any Pilates exercise can be augmented to fit all types of fitness levels, with the use of props and many options for modification. The end goal is to work towards greater strength and improve balance challenges.
What if I’ve never done Pilates?
The bottom line is: Pilates is for you, regardless of your current physical level! Each session is geared specifically towards YOUR goals and what is going on with YOUR body. Keeping the body moving is what keeps the joints healthy, and there are always options for movement whether you prefer gentle or vigorous movement and exercise. Your first session will be an introduction into the Reformer (which is the main machine used), props and basic exercises. We will discuss how to activate the muscles you want to use and equally important, how to “turn-off” muscles that we may unconsciously activate in certain movements.
How do I build core strength for better posture?
Pilates exercises work to build strength from your core outward. The muscles considered to be “core muscles” in Pilates are: the diaphragm, the transversus abdominis (your deepest layer of abdominal wall), multifidi (muscles that hold your vertebrae up) and your pelvic floor. Strengthening these muscles will help to support your skeletal system, resulting in better alignment. Plus, when your bones are where they are supposed to be, the muscles can work the way they are meant to.
Why should I do Pilates if I’m getting Chiropractic care?
Pilates and Chiropractic care are a wonderful complement to one another! As you come in to get adjusted for your own chiropractic needs, adding Pilates movement can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles that are weak and tight which may be constantly pulling you out of alignment. Everybody has a dominant side of their body that they use. This overuse, caused by certain movements in our daily life, will continue to exacerbate these issues. Being able to stretch with strength will help to even out your right to left sides, and your muscles from front to back as well. As we age, we lose bone and muscle mass so it becomes more important to continue to strengthen our muscles to stay in good postural alignment.
Parting words:
One of Joe Pilates most famous quotes is: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference and in 30 sessions, you’ll have a whole new body.” Helping clients to have better alignment and finding the control to perform exercises in new and interesting ways is fun and doesn’t just work out your body but also challenges your mind while in each session! I strive to help people feel better in very attainable ways and hope that you will come and join me to find out what Pilates can do for you!