What is STOTT PILATES®?

At Bedford Pilates & Pedaling, all of our Pilates instructors are highly qualified, personable & caring certified STOTT PILATES® Instructors. STOTT PILATES® was co-created by former professional dancer Moira Merrithew and Lindsey Merrithew with input from sports medicine professionals, and is a contemporary, anatomically-based approach to Joseph Pilates' original exercise method. Its exercises safely deliver optimal strength, flexibility and endurance, without adding bulk.

This stress-relieving method can be performed on a mat or using dedicated STOTT PILATES® equipment. Unlike the original series of exercises, STOTT PILATES® incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original approach, which promotes a flat back, STOTT PILATES® exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints.

A natural curve to the spine increases stability to the daily impacts we place on our spine and is therefore much more shock absorbent. The STOTT PILATES® method also places more emphasis on scapular stabilization than the classic method. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to make the method safer and more effective.

Classes Offered

(For scheduling, please visit class schedule.)

Intro to Pilates: A great starting point for beginners, the Essential Mat work class teaches the Five Basic Principles of Pilates, and builds a foundation of exercises required to move on to the next level. This mat-based workout is designed to help participants develop longer, leaner muscles, establish core strength and stability, and heighten mind-body awareness. Props may be incorporated to add variety. Participants are welcome to stay in the essential classes until they feel confident enough to enter the essential plus class.

This class will include Pilates most powerful core & strengthening exercises focusing on balance and posture in conjunction with a strength based Yoga class, known as Yoga Fit. We will include a 10-15 minute stretching segment at the conclusion of the hour to provide flexibility and reduce stress and anxiety. Perfect for ALL levels!

*Participants should have completed at least one session of Essential Pilates

Cardiolates®:  This fun and energetic class, set to energetic music, involves urban rebounding using the alignment principles of Pilates.  Begin with 15 minutes of abdominal work, followed by 35 minutes of rebounding and finish with 10-15 minutes of stretching to cool down.  Not only will you feel energized, you'll leave with a bounce in your step!  class format based on one hour class

Cardiolates Circuit: Similar to the Cardiolates class above but this class focuses more on sculpting the superficial muscles using hand weights.  Participants will experience bursts of cardio followed by light weight training in true circuit format.

Intermediate Mat: A bit more challenging, the Intermediate Mat class level will take you through a dynamic, full-body workout that focuses on improving flexibility and core strength incorporating a wider range of exercises that stretch and tone all muscle groups. Programming may vary from session to session to include Stability Balls, Foam Rollers, Flex Band® exercisers, Toning Balls, Fitness Circle® resistance rings, and BOSU® trainers.

BOSU, Ball & Balance Circuit: Explore a whole new level of Pilates! Experience how the BOSU\® and various fitness balls will challenge your stability and add definition to your muscles! This class will incorporate the principles of Pilates while working your entire body and will put those Core Stabilizing Muscles to the challenge while including a more up-tempo beat providing just a taste of cardio. Expect to sweat and leave feeling refreshed and energized! participants should have completed at least one session of essential pilates or several private classes.

HardCore:

HardCore is a Pilates based class incorporating hand weights for an intense sculpting and overall body toning experience! We will focus on the intrinsic muscles for overall body symmetry and balance while molding our superficial muscles for a well-defined, hard body and core! This is one class you don’t want to miss!

Once A Month GRAB BAG!  

Spontaneous....love a surprise?  Once a month, we will hold a class of the instructors choice!  This 45 minute class may include any one of our fabulous mat or fusion classes above, Cardiolates, spinning or maybe a new, refreshing class to get you excited!  Held on the first Friday of the month!  Interested?  FREE for autopay members~$15 for non members.  Call our studio to sign up for the next class!

• longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
• improves postural problems
• increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
• helps prevent injury
• enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
• balances strength & flexibility
• heightens body awareness
• no-impact – easy on the joints
• can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
• compliments other methods of exercise
• improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating, horseback riding, etc.)
• improves balance, coordination & circulation