Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates?
What is STOTT PILATES™?
What are the benefits of Pilates?
How is Pilates different from other fitness programs?
How long does it take to see results?
What if I have chronic pain or a "bad" back?
How do I know whether Pilates is right for me?
Why do you need special equipment for a Pilates workout?
Why is it important for trainers to be STOTT PILATES ™-certified?
Where are you located?
Where can I get a class schedule?

What is Pilates?
Pilates (pronounced Pah-la-teez) was developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, a performer and athlete who was interested in rehabilitation techniques following World War I. The method of exercise and physical movement he devised is designed to stretch and strengthen the body, develop balance and body awareness, sharpen mental focus, and increase energy, integrating mind, body and spirit. Pilates is designed to train the "core" muscles used to maintain posture and spinal alignment. The contemporary form of Pilates, STOTT PILATES™, is practiced at our Pilates studio in San Diego.

Joseph Pilates spent 20 years studying and practicing apprenticeships in yoga, Zen philosophy, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. He devised a system of original exercises, which are now known as Pilates "mat work", or exercises done on a mat on the floor. He called this regimen "Contrology" because his method allowed one to "control" the core muscles. Today, Pilates is practiced around the world, and is known as perhaps the most effective method available for transforming the body, maintaining muscle tone and flexibility, and rejuvenating the spirit.

What is STOTT PILATES™?
STOTT PILATES™, which is the Pilates method taught at our studio in San Diego, is a contemporary, anatomically based approach to the original mind-body exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates. It was developed by former professional dancer, Moira Merrithew, along with input from sports medicine professionals. A progression in Pilates that incorporates modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles, STOTT PILATES is a safe and effective low-impact way to stretch, strengthen and streamline your body. Among Pilates studios in San Diego, Marshall Eklund PILATES Studio stands alone as a STOTT PILATES licensed facility.

What are the benefits of Pilates?
1. Strengthens the lower back
2. Builds a stronger body with better balance and flexibility
3. Improves posture
4. Relieves many types of back and joint pain
5. Strengthens deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, decreasing and even eliminating incontinence
6. Increases energy
7. Develops a longer, leaner appearance. You may even grow taller!
8. Increases bone mass to guard against Osteoporosis or Osteopenia
9. Develops long, strong and firm muscles
10. Creates core stability

How is Pilates different from other fitness programs?
Our STOTT PILATES exercise routines will improve your core strength and balance, and enable you to feel and look better. Pilates focuses on:

Breathing
Pelvic placement
Position of the ribs
Head and cervical spine placement
Scapular (shoulder) movement

How long does it take to see results?
It depends upon a number of factors, including your fitness level when you start, whether you have an existing injury or take part in other physical activities, your level of motivation, etc. By participating in just two classes or sessions per week, you will increase your physical awareness within a few sessions, learning how to "fire" inactive muscles and how to make specific postural corrections, and you are likely to experience an increase in energy. Within 10-12 sessions, you should see, and feel, a positive change in your body.

What if I have chronic pain or a “bad” back?
First of all, consult your physician before starting any exercise program if you are recovering from an injury or have been experiencing chronic pain. Unlike other forms of exercise that could put you at risk with sudden movements or improper weight lifting, Pilates incorporates fluid, controlled movements and exercises, such as those used in yoga. The Pilates instructors at our San Diego studio are qualified to design your program around your limitations, and are vigilant about protecting your physical well being while challenging you to make improvements within your range of capabilities.

How do I know whether Pilates is right for me?
You can practice Pilates at any age, and at any fitness level, from professional athletes to beginners. Trained and certified Pilates instructors, like the trainers at our San Diego Pilates studio, can provide physical rehabilitation services, as well. Pilates can make you feel better as you go through your day, increasing your energy and helping you maintain good posture, which is important for keeping your body in alignment and free from aches and pains. Pilates works against the aging process, too. It also requires a comfortable level of concentration and focus. You will develop greater body awareness and grace, through your practice of Pilates.

Why do you need special equipment for a Pilates workout?
The STOTT PILATES equipment used at our Pilates studio was developed based on the principles of exercise science. Over 500 mat work and equipment-based exercise variations are available in Pilates. This enables our trainers to lead you through movements that work specifically on certain muscular-skeletal areas of the body, as well as your breathing. Our certified instructors are experts at assessing each client’s needs, from clients who are seeking rehabilitation for an injury, to professional athletes. The instructors at our San Diego studio are highly trained to fully employ the Pilates equipment to reach these specific areas of focus.

Why is it important for trainers to be STOTT PILATES™-certified?
STOTT PILATES is considered by many to be the gold standard of Pilates certification programs. STOTT PILATES is internationally renowned for the quality of its training. STOTT PILATES certified instructors are among the most sought-after Pilates teachers in the world. STOTT PILATES focuses on applied anatomy, biomechanics and program design, far surpassing programs that stress choreography and repertoire. To earn the title of STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, a student must complete extensive class and workshop time, and pass a challenging written and practical examination.

Where are you located?
Our studio is centrally located just minutes from Downtown San Diego, in the Hillcrest/North Park area, near Kensington and University Heights.(Directions) We are just minutes from downtown San Diego, and offer free off-street parking.

Marshall Eklund Pilates Studio
1807 Robinson Avenue, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92104
619-298-1177

Where can I get a class schedule?
Click here for the schedule or call us for details, 619-298-1177.