Mary Elizabeth Beim

4148 Virginia St.
Fairfax, VA
22032

tel. 703 691 2370
fax 703 691 2371

mindbody@att.net

What is Pilates?

Pilates (pronounced pil-LAH-teez) exercises increase your body’s strength, stability and suppleness by organizing the muscles and bones in your torso to stabilize the core of your body, while you move your torso and limbs to challenge that stability.

These exercises are named for their inventor - Joseph H. Pilates - a German prisoner of war during World War I - who created his own system of rehabilitative fitness. Although Pilates was not a physical therapist (he was many other things - from a registered nurse, to a boxer), the principles of his exercise system are used by many physical therapists today.

Pilates exercises became quite popular with the dance world in New York City, where Pilates opened his studio. The exercises have since found their way into fitness and health facilities across the country and the world. The phrases “core strength” and “core stability” come from Pilates.

How is Pilates different from Yoga?

Pilates exercises emphasize conscious control of the body to create stability (Pilates’ book was called “Contrology”); while yoga seeks to unite the physical body with something greater than itself (the word ‘yoga’ comes from a Sanskrit word which means “to join”).  The origins of yoga lie in an ancient spiritual text; Pilates exercises were created by a talented man whose fitness principles agreed with the art and science of physical therapy.

Both yoga and Pilates are considered ‘mind-body’ types of fitness -- that is: they use focused mental concentration to assist in creating structural, physical change in the body.

What kind of Pilates do you teach?

I teach Pilates mat classes. They are similar to yoga classes -- no special equipment is required and students prepare for a Pilates class in the same way as for a yoga class.

There are also special machines for Pilates exercises, that were designed by Joseph Pilates (for example, the ‘cadillac’ and the ‘reformer’). These machines are often found in health clubs or rehabilitation facilities. I do not teach classes on the machines.

Why would I take Pilates?

People who take Pilates are often looking to improve their posture and create a stronger ‘center’ of their being. Pilates exercises tend to alter the way in which people carry themselves.  Many people also find that their abdominal muscles assume a sleeker look through Pilates.

What Pilates are you offering now?

You can click to see a class schedule or for information about private sessions.

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