1. Why does Life Time Fitness offer yoga?
We believe that yoga is for everyone. We teach an active,
flowing style of yoga that, with modifications and principles of
alignment, allows our participants to stay safe and feel
challenged yet successful. We offer a wide array of different
types of yoga including Hatha, Ashtanga, Hot and Restorative
yoga. Make sure to refer to the LifeStudio schedule to see
which types each club offers.
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2. Is it necessary to be extremely flexible in order to start a yoga routine?
One doesn’t need to be particularly flexible to practice yoga; in
fact, most people do it to gain flexibility. But keep in mind that
everyone has a different body and different levels of strength
and flexibility so it is normal for some people to start out
stronger and more limber than others. Everyone’s goal,
however, is the same because we all want to gain strength and
become more flexible and well-balanced.
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3. Is it necessary to know how to meditate in order to do yoga?
No. One does not need to know how to meditate in order to
enjoy the benefits of yoga. During a typical yoga class we learn
to focus on our breathing, listen to our bodies and act
accordingly. As we get better at maintaining our focus, we can
take this skill into a sitting meditation or simply learn to
become present in each moment of our lives.
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4. Can yoga ever be considered an aerobic exercise?
Vigorous yoga, like Ashtanga, can be very cardiovascular in
nature because the movements elevate the heart rate. In these
classes we do a lot of work against our own body weight.
Exercises such as traditional sit-ups and push-ups are
incorporated into the class to create more strength and stamina.
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5. What is Pilates?
Pilates is a unique stretching and strengthening exercise method
that focuses on the abdominal and back muscles – collectively
referred to as the body’s “core.” Pilates strengthens the core by
developing pelvic stability and abdominal control. Pilates
exercises improve flexibility, joint mobility, strength, balance and
posture. They emphasizes deep breathing and smooth, long
movements that encourage muscles to relax and lengthen.
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6. What are the benefits of Pilates?
Pilates can help tone muscles, improve posture, flexibility
and balance, increase core strength and improve balance,
coordination and circulation. Because Pilates is a no-impact
exercise method, it is easy on the joints and complements
other methods of exercise.
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7. What are the principles behind Pilates?
Pilates improves core strength and balances the muscles around
the joints improving the way your body functions, looks and
feels. Pilates focuses specifically on breathing, pelvic placement,
rib-cage placement, scapular movement and head and cervical
spine placement.
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8. What kind of results can I expect from Pilates?
You can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility and body
balance and, in some cases, an improvement in back pain and
other general pains.
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9. How long before I see results?
The average active person, participating in 2–3 classes per week,
should see results within 10–12 classes. Results, however, will
vary by individual.
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10. What is a Reformer?
The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates
exercise. The Reformer glides forward and backward on rollers
and uses springs for resistance. The Reformer is highly versatile
and facilitates hundreds of exercise variations in a no-impact
manner. It also allows for three-dimensional movement and is
suited for a wide variety of individuals–from rehab patient to
pro athlete. It facilitates balanced strength and flexibility,
provides total muscular-skeletal conditioning and improves
core conditioning and peripheral mobility.
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