Stability, Flexibility, Endurance, and of course Strength, are the Four Factors essential to Spinal Health. Tibor and Christine feel that the Core Spinal Fitness System by MedX meets the goal for all of our clients, and complements the Pilates Training.       The program begins with a one hour and thirty minutes assessment with Tibor, and onwards with a 2 month package of personal one on one sessions with Tibor. It is recommended 2X per week. With the strength training on these bio-mechanically precise machines you target the correct muscle groups and improve flexibility. Results are assured.   Read Fitness After Fifty - click here to read Take the W.W.W. Approach By: Roger Schwab & Charles J. Bixby. M.A. Ed. M.S. Are you tired of fad workout regimes and loud, busy health clubs? You might not have the money the stars do to hire a personal trainer, but if you have the time, Pilates Works® might be for you. Owners Tibor and Christine Markus were professional dancers who started using Pilates in 1983 to strengthen their muscles, tone their bodies and prevent the injuries that sometimes plague dancers. It has been a part of Christine's life ever since, and this, she is convinced, has aided her in remaining injury free during her dancing and teaching career. Christine, who opened the studio specializing in the exercise which is based on a profound understanding of the human body, says although it might look like an intimidating exercise, with some time people really enjoy it. "It usually suits a person who is willing to come in beforehand to do some research. Pilates works as a whole, it's almost like dancing on a machine," she says. We usually recommend an hour assessment that gives you a taste of what a class is going to be like. And we're able to tell you things about your body you might not know that would help during the class. Developed during World War One by Joseph H. Pilates, the exercise was originally an experiment with the springs in hospital beds, which led him to the development of the "Universal Reformer". By applying movement and resistance to the muscles, he facilitated in the speedier recovery of injured soldiers. The essence of his exercises was proper breathing and control over the body, with the main focus being on the abdominal muscles. This focus, which connected to what is called the "CORE" abdominal, improved posture; reducing the risk of injury for dancers, skaters, athletes and people with wanted awareness of their bodies. Clients who come from Toronto, Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga to participate in single and group classes, are taught coordination and breathing during a variety of over 500 exercises. "Because you're working all your muscles on a machine with pulleys and ropes, teaching coordination is very important. We do mat exercises for those who aren't as coordinated. The equipment looks a little medieval but it's very friendly." Since the exercise is done for a limited time, it almost eliminates boredom and mindless repetition. Also, Joseph Pilates himself said there is no need to take more than three sessions in a week over a period of time to see a difference. After working with traditional equipment, Tibor decided to design his own machine especially for the studio. "After working with different body parts over the years, you find different faults in the machine - you want to perfect the original equipment so it benefits everybody." He says. Christine, who has a steady clientele for classes that are held in the mornings and evenings, also says her studio is popular because it allows clients to focus on one exercise. "When you have so many things going at once, they're going to hit each other. If you're doing cardio, spinning and free weights, it's too much," she says. "But if you're focusing on one thing you're going to be much better at it." The studio, which often sees women from 20 to 70 years old enjoying Pilates, is also seeing more men joining into the fun. "Men think it's a girl thing, but more are participating because it teaches them how to isolate and work certain muscles." Christine warns that people should stay away from weekend instructor certification courses because sometime instructors are not properly trained. "It takes a while for clients to see results, and some just don't have the time. Since most clubs look for volume and want to bring people in. they often don't have properly qualified instructors. People should stay away from weekend certification courses," she says. "If we do something, we want to offer it to the public the right way." Clients can participate on a private basis by appointment. A two-month package is available.   Pilates Works ® is now pleased to announce the launch of Pilates Works ® Equipment. To see a working demonstration please choose either of these links: Single Use :: Double Use (please note that these demonstrations are not Real Time). To view these you will need minimum Macromedia Shockwave 5. For a free download please click here. Please call us at 905-845-5914 or write to us Pilates Works® 214 Randall Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 1P7   :: About Us :: Pilates Works ® :: Pilates Works® Equipment :: Pilates Certification :: Strength Training :: Events :: Directors :: :: Schedule :: Contact Us :: Home :: 2008© Pilates Works®. Site Design by WindNet with Pilates Works