The Ultimate Body Conditioning in Portland’s Pearl.

A typical session at Geometry is 50-55 minutes combining equipment and mat work. Our instructors are trained to customize a system of exercises tailored specifically for each client based on age, fitness goals, and the presence of any prior injuries. Early sessions focus on identifying imbalances and strengthening weak muscle groups, then progress to correcting misalignment, and re-educating the body with better movement patterns. In order to really see and feel results, clients are encouraged to come to two to three sessions per week.

About Pilates: What it can do for you

Pilates exercises work several muscle groups at the same time — stretching and strengthening — which eliminates the need for the tedious repetitions found in other exercise routines. The movements are more effective and result in a toned body, without the unnecessary bulk or muscle damage created by strength training programs.

At the Core of the Pilates Method:
The Powerhouse

All Pilates movements initiate from the core, or “powerhouse” — the upper and lower abdominal muscles, the lower back, and the buttocks — which strengthens and supports the body. If not used properly, these muscles will deteriorate with time. Conventional forms of exercise largely ignore this area because these muscles are difficult to isolate and strengthen, instead focusing on building strength in the arms and legs. Pilates exercises are designed to stabilize the torso and work the abdominal muscles more intensely, allowing the arms and legs to move freely from a stable spine, increasing flexibility and strength at the same time.

History

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning is not a new phenomenon. Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a German immigrant who first called his method the “Art of Contrology,” opened the first Pilates Studio in New York City in 1926. Frail and sickly as a child, he turned to boxing, gymnastics, yoga, and bodybuilding to strengthen his body. Forced into a work camp during World War I, he experimented with mat work and began teaching others. Upon realizing that movement helped patients heal more quickly, he attached bedsprings to hospital beds to aid in patients’ rehabilitation.

“Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” —Joseph Pilates

Why It Works

There are 6 major principles that help achieve a long, sleek, and pain free body.

Concentration: That all-important mind/body connection. Conscious control of movement enhances body awareness.

Control and Precision: It's not about intensity or multiple “reps,” it's more about proper form for safe, effective results.

Centering: A particular focus on the torso (abs, pelvic girdle, lower back, gluts) develops a strong core and enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. All action initiates from the trunk and flows outwards to the extremities.

Breath: Deep, coordinated, conscious diaphragmatic patterns of inhales and exhales initiate movement, help activate deep muscles and keep you focused.

Flow: Smooth, continuous motion rather than jarring repetitions.

Alignment: Proper alignment is key to good posture. You'll be aware of the position of your head and neck on the spine and pelvis, right down through the legs and toes.