What is the STOTT PILATES® method

Q. What is the STOTT PILATES® Method?

A. STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent over two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.


Q. What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES Method and other Pilates techniques?

A. STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to everyday life.

Q. What are the benefits of STOTT PILATES?
A.


  • longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
  • improves postural problems
  • increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
  • helps prevent injury
  • enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
  • balances strength & flexibility
  • heightens body awareness
  • no-impact, easy on the joints
  • can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
  • complements other methods of exercise
  • improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
  • improves balance, coordination & circulation

Q. Is STOTT PILATES exercise like Yoga?

A. In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

Q. How can STOTT PILATES be different than weight training or other resistance exercise?

A.


  • 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 exercise 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 exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness
  • Weight training and STOTT PILATES can be combined in your fitness program and are a great compliment to each other.
Source: http://www.stottpilates.com/faq
STOTT PILATES®content © Merrithew Corporation, used with permission