Pilates Yoga Fusion

Why Practice Pilates & Yoga Together?

People often ask, "Should I do Pilates?  Will it be right for me?"  I recommend that everyone practice Pilates.  As far as it being "right", it depends on Poe Wellness Solutionsyour goals and instructor.  There are as many styles of Pilates as there are instructors.  Whether your goal is slower-paced, controlled core strengthening and stretching or a faster-paced power Pilates, talk with the instructor.  An instructor worth your time, should make time for you!  Show up early for class or contact the instructor in advance.  Ask about their training, years experience, teaching philosophy and style.  It's okay to interview an instructor.

What about the yoga part of class?  When Joseph Pilates designed his method, all exercises were performed on the floor (on your back or belly, hands & knees or seated).  Adding the physical practice of yoga (poses or asanas), we find our way to standing.  Standing balance takes core strength into our every day routine.  Let's not simply strengthen our core on the floor but let's integrate core strength into full body movement.

Both practices encourage mindfulness of movement and breath.  At times, the two practices differ in the finer details.  These differences allow for a deeper exploration and discovering of your personal preferences.

Poe Wellness Solutions tree poseBenefits

Pilates Yoga Fusion combines challenging yet playful movements that create an opportunity for self-competitiveness, a sense of accomplishment and fun.  The physical benefits of these classes are similar to other forms of exercise: greater strength, endurance and muscle tone.  When practiced regularly participants have noted other key improvements: improved coordination and alignment, better balance and stability, increased flexibility, and movement becomes more graceful and coordinated as the sides of the body are brought into balance.  Activities of daily living become easier.  Also, breathing will improve, stress levels reduced and the mind-body connection enhanced.

POE Pilates

I earned my first Pilates certification in 2004.  I was very intimidated by all the details and had concerns about being prepared to teach a safe class for a variety of levels.  My personal practice continued to grow and during 2009-2010, I continued my training at Pilates of NC, completing both the basic and advanced certifications.  I was ready and began teaching.  I have loved it ever since.  With a strong commitment to the six principles of Pilates, a variety of exercises and poses are incorporated targeting the total body.  My style is slower paced, focusing on awareness of breath and moving from the center.  We practice stability, safety and fun!

Testimonials

"Over the last three years I have had the chance to take yoga and pilates classes in Durham at several different studios and from several different instructors.  The classes with Meg have been, for me, the best by far.  Her care and attention to each person, her understanding of the human body from decades of work and life experience, and her magnificent spirit infuse each of her different classes with a special sense of purpose and well-being.  She is simply a wonderful teacher and coach."

What to Expect

  • Exercises on mat or at wall
  • Gentle warmup
  • Slower controlled movements
  • 3-8 repetitions (if performed correctly, you will not want anymore than that)
  • Focus on core strength and alignment
  • Standing balance poses
  • Arm balances when we feel a little wild
  • Strengthening and stretching
  • Intense work and fun

SPECIAL NOTE:  I am shocked by the number of people afraid to attend a Pilates class. Pilates is about controlled movement, your controlled movement.  First you learn the movements. As you get stronger and more comfortable, challenge yourself as much as you like.

"The mind when housed within a healthful body possesses a glorious sense of power."

—Joseph Pilates in letter to a client, 1939

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