Initial Consultation

I’ve made it my goal to help people learn more about their bodies, the unique holding patterns contributing to their discomfort, and how to apply the exercises in a way that promotes change. Unfortunately, this isn’t easily achievable in a larger group setting. I do occasionally offer educational workshops/retreats but these are targeted to specific populations with a particular concern and similar objectives.

STOTT Pilates is known for the thoroughness and quality of its instructor training and is considered to be the “Ivy League” of Pilates education. STOTT Pilates is often described as a “contemporary approach” to Pilates. This is because it enhances the original Pilates method pioneered by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, incorporating modern principles of exercise science, fascial fitness, and spinal rehabilitation.

The STOTT Pilates curriculum is developed in consultation with fitness, sports medicine, and physiotherapy professionals and is recognized by national fitness agencies such as the American Council on Exercise and canfitpro. The result is an extensive repertoire of exercises and exercise modifications suitable for a wide range of individuals and conditions. STOTT Pilates is a reputable, safe, and highly effective Pilates method.

Pilates is considered resistance training and is helpful for building lean muscle, trimming, toning, and reshaping the body. It does have some cardiovascular impact – it will raise your heart rate and like most strength training, it will boost your metabolism, making your body more efficient at burning fat. Consistent practice can result in a leaner physique with proportionate balance and symmetry. So, yes – people do embrace Pilates for its aesthetic appeal. However, weight loss results from fewer calories being consumed than expended. A healthy, reduced-calorie diet is essential to weight loss in addition to exercise. If weight loss is your primary goal, there are better forms of exercise that you can pursue and/or you should consider supplementing Pilates with aerobic activities and a healthy diet.

With some modifications, Pilates is considered safe and even beneficial during pregnancy. The weight of the growing fetus puts pressure on the pelvic floor, weakening the muscles and in some cases leading to a loss of bladder control or in rare cases, prolapse. The abdominal muscles are stretched and it isn’t uncommon for the two sides of the abdominal wall to further separate during pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti. Strengthening the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles may help to support the uterus, reduce aches and pains, prevent or reduce the impact of diastasis recti, and prepare for pushing during delivery.

However, it is my belief that pregnancy isn’t the time to introduce a new form of exercise. Unless you are already practicing Pilates, I advise that you wait until after your delivery – it will be just as helpful then. If your doctor recommends beginning Pilates while you are pregnant and you are already accustomed to exercising, it is imperative to work with an experienced Pilates instructor who is knowledgeable in modifying exercises (and avoiding those that are contraindicated) in accordance with the guidelines of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

ELDOA exercises are not appropriate if you are experiencing acute pain or if you have a known fracture at any level of your spine. It is fine to begin or continue ELDOA exercises during pregnancy with some modifications, namely we will avoid all ELDOA exercises targeting below the T8 vertebra.