Getting Started
When you first come to The Moving Body, we will meet with you to discuss your personal goals. You may want to get in shape, feel better, become stronger and more flexible - or you may have more specific needs (such as recovery from injury or preparation for advanced training or higher performance). Regardless of your needs or goals, you’ll benefit from our personalized training and exercise programs. As your body becomes stronger and more flexible, and as your needs and goals change, your teachers will help you adapt to and master new challenges.
During four introductory one-on-one sessions, we will get to know you, with a focus on your alignment, strength and flexibility. In your initial session, your teacher will compile a health and injury history, and then get you onto the equipment for your first workout. Over the course of these four sessions, you’ll learn the core principles of the Pilates Method or the Gyrotonic Expansion System®, and become familiar with the equipment. Together, you and your teacher will discover what you need to work on, what pace you’re comfortable with, and the type of movements and exercises that best suit your goals. You’ll get a good solid understanding of either Pilates or Gyrotonic® (or both), and be ready to select your classes and sessions.
When you complete your four introductory private sessions, Pilates students may choose to take private lessons, small duo or trio group classes (2-3 students), 'solo' workouts (with permission), mat classes (maximum of 10 students), or a combination of these offerings. Or, to continue your workouts on the Gyrotonic Expansion System®, you may sign up for private sessions. In the fall of 2007, we will also offer Awareness Through Movement® (floor classes). Please let us know if you would like more information.
We recommend working out 2-3 times a week: three times a week will bring the most noticeable results. Many students first come to The Moving Body by joining a group mat class to master the basic movements and principles needed to work out effectively on the equipment. These “drop-in” Pilates classes are held several times each week, at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels; we also offer beginning and intermediate stretch classes.
Private Sessions
All private sessions are by appointment only.
One-on-one classes
These private 55-minute sessions are tailored to your individual needs, and may use any or all of our equipment. One-on-one classes may be exclusively Gyrotonic® or Pilates, or a combination of both methods. After you’ve tried various types of movement and equipment, you may find you have definite preferences.
Small private duet or trio Pilates classes
You’ll share these 55-minute Pilates sessions with one or two other people. These classes range from Level I (beginning) through Level V (advanced). Students may create their own groups (maximum size: 3 people), or we will place you in an appropriate level group. All the equipment is available to private group classes.
Class Descriptions
Pilates Fundamentals
This is our most basic class. It’s appropriate if you have never taken a Pilates class before, are very de-conditioned, or if you’re recovering from injury. It’s also a great way to return to Pilates if you’ve studied in the past and need to refresh your awareness of the basic principles and movements.
The class focuses on core stability (developing the Pilates ‘powerhouse’), healthy alignment in posture and movement, and coordinating breath with movement. The beginning matwork repertoire (the essential ten movements) is taught along with primary Pilates principles such as neutral and flat back; diaphragmatic and postero-lateral breathing; and neutral joint position.
Open “Drop-in” Pilates Mat Classes
Open classes are regularly scheduled classes held in our mat room. These are essentially matwork or floorwork classes, although small pieces of equipment such as balls, hand weights, small barrels, foam rollers and magic circles may be used.
Maximum class size is 10. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointment is necessary. We recommend you give us a call or check the schedule before attending a class you haven’t taken before as times/offerings are subject to change.
At The Moving Body, you may attend matwork classes at three different levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced.
Beginning
This class assumes an understanding of a stable and supported core. In these classes, you’ll build strength and endurance through the practice of the full beginning repertoire. Balance challenges are incorporated into the class.
Intermediate
The intermediate matwork class includes variations and use of small equipment. This class assumes mastery of the beginning matwork and essential Pilates Method principles and an ability to move at a faster, more rigorous pace. Focus is on stamina, strength and coordination.
Advanced
A challenging class which flows through the advanced repertoire with smooth transitions between exercises. This class requires a strongly developed Pilates powerhouse, mastery of the intermediate repertoire and familiarity with the advanced repertoire. These classes are reserved for advanced level students only; permission of the instructor is required.
This class draws on various movement disciplines to strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility and range of motion. You’ll work safely within your individual capabilities while challenging yourself.
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM)
Introductory (Level I)
These slow, gentle classes are for students who are new to Awareness Through Movement®, or those who wish to work slowly and deeply on fundamental movement patterns, or those working with an injury or disability. The underlying principles of the Feldenkrais Method® will be elucidated. These classes are a wonderful way to experience the subtlety and elegance of movement available to all of us.
Level II
These more challenging ATM classes incorporate more complex and physically demanding movements. Students must complete at least 25 Level I classes and have an understanding of the principles of the Feldenkrais Method® to participate in Level II. All of these classes are based on transcripts or recordings of teaching sessions offered by Dr. Feldenkrais.
Gyrokinesis
(Classes will be coming soon; please inquire at the front desk.)
This flowing, spiraling floor class focuses on the matwork and yoga components of the Gyrotonic® method created by Juliu Horvath.
The attention of teachers to me, even in a group, makes classes incredibly effective. I always leave with something improved or repaired and, at 60, that’s a gift.
Susan Goldman