What is Pilates?

Pilates (/pɪˈlɑːtɪz/;German: [piˈlaːtəs]) is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates called his method “Contrology”. It is practiced worldwide, especially in Western countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. As of 2005, there were 11 million people practicing the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.

At In-Joy Pilates we offer a combination of mat and reformer classes to provide a customized experience for each person.  There are also private sessions and group classes available.

 

Meet Nancy

Nancy has been teaching fitness classes and working as a personal trainer, in Bend, since 1984. She has acquired certifications in multiple areas of group exercise, indoor cycling, conscious movement facilitation, and individual program design. In 2008, Nancy began studying at Long Beach Dance Conditioning with Master Trainer, Marie Jose’ in the Pilates Method and has taught this focused technique in her home studio, Sisters Athletic Club, Rebound Sport Performance, FreshAirSports Pilates, The Athletic Club of Bend and now in this “brand” new studio! She continues to study with Marie Jose’ and attends continuing education opportunies within the Pilates, therapeutic and mindful movement communities.

Nancy has discovered that Pilates equipment and mat work, driven by the respiratory system, create the optimal environment for the mind and body to focus on form and alignment which is required for peak performance. Her joyful passion is to teach dynamic core strength and stability as the foundation work for all movement, all the time!

Testimonials

“Nancy’s pilates classes have changed my life and allowed me to continue with my athletic pursuits.  I have been active all my life, but as I’ve aged I’ve had to cut down on many of my activities, especially running.  My lower back was becoming more and more of a problem and limiting my ability to workout.  After participating in Nancy’s pilates classes I have found that I have been able to increase my running and other activities.  My core strength has dramatically improved.  With a stronger core, and  by applying pilates form into my activities I have eliminated my nagging lower back issues. I can apply  the techniques Nancy has taught me in the classroom to all my activities — to be more efficient in my running, swimming, lifting and all my life activities. I feel stronger , lighter,  more balance and lengthened. Pilates is a way of life — give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how it can improve your life.”

– Lyn Durand

“I love the whole idea of being strong and with my German muscular structure, I have a tendency to bulk up the major muscle groups which has allowed the little intrinsic muscles that help keep us in alignment, like my back, to weaken.  Pilates was promoted as a “strengthening and lengthening” form of exercise by my masseuse, as he was from Belgium and saw my muscular structure could be transformed through Pilates by lengthening my major muscles groups and strengthening the little muscles that were getting lazy from the major muscles doing all the work.  Since my 1+ year of private, and now class instruction, my whole posture has changed.  The midsection of my body feels so strong and elongated, and I feel I will never have glitches again with my back given the deep strength I have developed.  Although I know I still have a long way to go for complete connectedness, I definitely am convinced that this is exactly what I need as I approach my 60’s so I can ski well into my 90’s.”

– Sandy

“I’ve been very active and athletic for over 40 years, and my biggest regret is NOT starting pilates sooner.  Since starting Nancy’s pilates classes 2 years ago, I’ve gotten stronger and no longer have to go to the doctor and the PT for lower back, hip, shoulder, neck aches.  I attribute this to self healing by attending Nancy’s pilates classes 2-3 times weekly.  I still work out intensely, but with pilates I have a stronger core and the ability to re-align my body.”

– Leanne Smith
advanced osteoarthritis, replaced hip and knee and degenerative spinal disorders

“I started doing Pilates about a year and a half ago at age 58.  Best thing I could ever have done!  I am stronger, more flexible and have experienced much less lower back pain.  I love doing pilates with Nancy and Ashleigh!  Their personal attention to each client makes you feel confident and encouraged.  They have helped me improve my balance and posture for everything I do day-in and day-out!  Pilates has even helped me have a better “connection” riding my horse!  Truly a life transforming way to a better body!”

– Nancy

“I had a good year on the field, felt stronger and more agile than I have in years, and ended up injury free so my Pilates sessions with Ashleigh were GREAT in my book!”

– Marques, NFL Quarterback

“Pilates has helped me to connect more with my inner self while also connecting physically with my inner core. I feel more balanced, centered and peaceful after I participate in a class. I have also noticed a change in my body.  As I continue the work, I look forward to being even more in touch with my body, mind and spirit. Nancy is a wonderful teacher who always knows where my body and mind need to go. She has an intuitive nature to her approach and I feel better just being in her presence. The new studio is a wonderful peaceful place  just right for the kind of transformations that occur there.”   

  – Bette

”After only 2 months at twice a week of practicing Pilates I was pretty surprised when I realized that there had been no recent “tinkle” issues.  You know, that embarrassing issue those of us of a certain age start having with every sneeze, cough or giggle.  As an active, fit woman finding a new solution, that doesn’t involve the elusive Keigle and that I enjoy doing, surprising and so amazing…Thank you In-Joy Pilates!!”

– Melanie

Who is Pilates for?

Pilates is a low impact, guided and flexible practice that provides benefits for all age groups and fitness levels.  Because each movement can be customized for your health needs and experience level, your class experience can change each time and grow with you as you increase your flexibility and muscle strength.

Here are a few reasons why pilates might be right for you.

  1. improved flexibility.
  2. increasing muscle strength and tone.
  3. improved posture.
  4. improved concentration.
  5. stress management and relaxation.
  6. safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries.

532 SW 13th Street, ste 103
Bend, OR 97702

injoypilates@gmail.com

(541) 280-7570