Pilates at Camélia House
By appointment only:
Dennis Wise
Qi Gong, Pilates, Chi Nei Tsang
337-593-9313
Gretchen Wright
Pilates
317-403-6331
Gretchen Wright, a non-practicing Dental Hygienist, began practicing the Pilates method in 2005 and fell in love with this style of movement. The rigorous demands of the Dental Hygienist profession had a profound effect on her body & led her on a path of discovery. Her body was fatigued, malaligned and inflamed. This experience blessed her in many ways; she discovered Pilates and completed comprehensive training from Body Arts and Science International in 2008. The Pilates method teaches several core principles: Centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, alignment, and flow. It is with great intent that these principles assist the client in conscious movement.
Pilates opens a doorway for self-study, starting with the physical body and how it moves through space. This method was responsible for teaching Gretchen to move from the center of the center.
Please enjoy a donation based introductory private session with Gretchen.
Private Sessions*: $55.00
Duets: $35.00
Trio: $25.00
*Sessions are fifty minutes. Three to Five private sessions are recommended before joining a group class.
“Fall in Love with taking care of yourself, mind, body, spirit.”
Is Pilates Right for Me?
Pilates is for everyone, from young to old, from beginner exerciser to advanced athlete. It will increase flexibility and strengthen deep core muscles. It is a safe exercise to do while pregnant, great for rehabilitation from injury, and is often recommended by doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors. Pilates can be used as a complete fitness program as well as a supplement to other methods of fitness, or as a tool to educate the body to have better posture and to move more efficiently.
What is the difference between the Pilates equipment and mat Pilates?
The Pilates equipment consists of the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Barrels. In an equipment session you will work one-on-one with a certified instructor, to design a program and modify the exercises with your specific needs in mind. Your instructor will move you from one piece of equipment to another, choosing from well over 500 exercises, after mutually assessing your specific needs and goals. In a Pilates mat class you will be one of a group of 6-10 people, performing the same exercises, at the same pace. You will use small apparatus (resistance bands, foam rollers, Pilates circles and balls), you will also look to your own body to create resistance, an amazing way to connect with and strengthen your core. We recommend that you only do mat classes if you are without injuries and are relatively fit and pain-free.
How do I begin a Pilates program?
We recommend your begin Pilates with a private lesson. This will introduce you to the Pilates equipment, give you and the instructor an idea of where your body’s strengths and weaknesses lie and provide the attention needed to formulate your goals. After your private session you will be more comfortable with the principles and philosophy of Pilates, and you and your teacher will decide how you will proceed from there.
How often should I do Pilates?
Two to three times a week is a great amount. Like any form of exercise, consistency is key, and it is helpful to not let too much time pass in order to remember the previous lesson and incorporate the information in your body. You will be happy at how you look and feel after just a few weeks. It is also great to combine private lessons with duets and/or mat classes during the course of a week.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably so that your movement is free, but try not to wear clothing that is TOO loose fitting. It is important that the instructor be able to observe your body as you move. No special shoes are required, Pilates is done barefoot or with socks.
Can I start with Pilates mat classes?
Yes, you can start with Pilates mat classes, as long as you have a healthy, injury free body. If you have injuries, we recommend that you take private lessons.
What is the difference between Pilates and other forms of abdominal training techniques?
Pilates focuses on strengthening the deepest layers of abdominal and back muscles for a corset-like support of the spine. Unlike crunches which overwork the superficial abdominal muscles and potentially strain the neck and back. Pilates focuses on breath, a lengthened spine and pelvic and shoulder stability giving you an efficient abdominal workout.
