Pilates and weight training may seem like they are two different worlds of fitness, but Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates himself, lifted weights. 
 
In fact, there are archival photographs of him using dumbbells on the Wunda Chair.
 
There are major benefits to both Pilates and weight training. When combined, you get a total body workout that promotes proper posture, balance and strength for improved health and quality of life. 
 
Benefits Of Pilates & Weight Training  
 
Pilates  
 
Pilates is a unique, systematic and integrative approach to body conditioning made up of over 600 exercises and variations. The Pilates method utilizes body weight and resistant springs to strengthen, stretch and realign ones’ body. It’s a compressive program that progresses a person from simple fundamental movements to very advanced skills on multiple Pilates apparatuses.
 
The Pilates practice is widely considered therapeutic as it brings you back to balance, proper posture and grounds you in your center. It’s often recommended by doctors for overall health and rehabilitative purposes as well as injury prevention. 
 
Pilates itself is a full-body workout—it improves fitness, endurance and increases longevity. Studio Be is a one-stop-shop for the average person looking to save time and improve their overall wellbeing. We love to mix it up and use various types of resistance to tone and sculpt the body, so we use a lot of props in our classical Pilates classes, including weights like dumbbells and ankle or wrist weights.  
 
Weight Training
 
Weight training, on the other hand, uses free weights or weight machines to build muscle mass, strength and endurance. It can help reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass and burn calories more efficiently than other workouts, such as cardio-based workouts.
 
Weight training is great for the development of stronger bones since it increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. It’s also helpful for weight loss or management since it increases your metabolism and burns calories efficiently. 
 
At the end of the day, weight training can help you become stronger, which allows you to perform daily tasks much easier—whether it be carrying bags of groceries or running around with your children or grandchildren. All of this to say we still need some weight training in our fitness repertoire.
 
Combining Pilates & Weights 
 
I believe using weights in Pilates can be easier on the body than tradition weightlifting, which often occurs standing vertically holding the weight. In this case, you must adapt to the external weight by positioning your body to align and adjust the weight into your center. In other words: it’s easy to fall into poor form. 
 
Pilates itself is rooted in proper posture and balance, so as you lift the weights, you are already focused on excellent form and thinking about your overall body alignment. 
 
Not to mention, when you incorporate weights into Pilates, you get it all in one place—you don’t have to go to gym or lift weights at home to get your weight training in. Joseph Pilates intended Pilates to be a one-stop-shop. If performed correctly, you shouldn’t need any additional fitness activities. This is especially true when we add weights to our classical Pilates classes.
 
TRY OUR NEW PILATES & WEIGHTS CLASS ON WEDNESDAYS AT 8 AM—SIGN UP IN MINDBODY TODAY!

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!
 
​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
About Kylee
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I'm 19 years old and currently live in Ventura County. I’m signed to a modeling agency in LA where I do lifestyle, beauty and print work. I’m also a health optimizing freak and very passionate about learning about the human body and what it takes to optimize at a full level. Health is my top priority, so my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being always come first. One of my other passions is curating beautiful charcuterie boards—I have a small business selling these boards locally in Ventura County. In my free time, I enjoy brain soothing activities, like long walks on the beach, journaling at different cafes, doing yoga classes and reading. When I'm not occupied with work, I make sure I fill that time with lots and lots of traveling!
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A: My daily fitness routine is pretty simple. I make sure I get at least 10,000-12,000 steps a day. I like to start off most of my days with yoga and some simple breathwork/meditation. I do Pilates about  2 to 3 times a week on top of my walking and yoga.
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: I have been doing Pilates for just over a month. I chose to add Pilates to my fitness repertoire because of all the great things I have heard about it. I'm a very active person and wanted to find a routine I actually enjoyed; Pilates has helped me reach that.
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: The quality of my day-to-day life motivates me to stay healthy and fit. I don't believe in waiting until you are weak or sick to take action in your health. I believe in living in the moment and living life to the highest quality possible.

“Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all vital benefits." – Joseph Pilates

When you’ve been doing Pilates for a long time, it’s easy to get caught up in rushing the exercises and just "going through the motions." We often call this “muscling it,” as opposed to moving with control and precision. 
​
In Pilates, we play with tempo to increase aerobic capacity and develop endurance, and as a challenge to see if we can maintain posture, stability and alignment. It’s part of advancing your Pilates practice.

That said, it’s important to slow things down every once in a while—and get back to the basics—to ensure proper and efficient movement, and to remember our foundation. 

The Importance Of A Strong Foundation In Pilates
 
Like in any pure art form, a solid foundation is of utmost importance to the Pilates practice. If there are any holes or gaps of strength, connection or understanding in one's body, the preceding exercises will be ineffective and counterproductive.
 
It takes using and controlling one's entire body—we call this full-body integration—to properly perform the exercises in the Pilates method.
 
Three reasons why a strong foundation is so crucial:

1. For better results that are lasting. As an instructor, I’ve worked with many people on gaining a proper foundation who’ve come back into my studio years later and it’s clear their body hasn’t forgotten. Once you learn the foundation, and learn it well (to the point that your body remembers), you never forget it. It’s a lot like riding a bike.
2. To advance to higher levels. Pilates is a way of life. It’s both a lifestyle of fitness and learning, exercise for the body and mind. Once you have a strong foundation in Pilates, you continue to build from that foundation and advance to higher levels that require more strength and power. Advancing through the Pilates practice requires great discipline and brings a feeling of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.
3. To reach full-body integration. In the words of Jay Grimes, “You get to a point where you become Pilates and Pilates becomes you.” Once your foundation is built, you begin to use the correct muscles without even thinking; it becomes second-nature, your body like a fine-tuned machine. Eventually, you reach a level where your whole body is integrated in the practice, and throughout your everyday life—you become healthier, you breathe better, your digestion improves, you sleep better.

 
Getting “Back To The Basics” (As A Seasoned Veteran)
 
Like I mentioned above, once you have a strong Pilates foundation, you never forget it, like riding a bike. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get lazy every now and again as we speed things up and start performing more powerful movements. 
 
This is why I encourage you to slow down and remember your foundation. Rather, let your body remember your foundation. 
 
One can continue to practice the foundation and basic level of Pilates without getting bored or being too redundant. Pilates has so many valuable principles that allow us to shift our focus on precision, imagination, concentration, breath, intuition, fluidity, centering, control, integration.
 
Be "OK" with doing repetitive footwork, hundreds and other exercises that strengthen your foundation. 
 
Be "OK" with slowing things down occasionally and bringing it back to the basics.

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!
 
​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
This week, we interviewed classical Pilates instructor Roger to celebrate his one-year anniversary at Studio Be! 
 
About Roger 
 
Before he found Pilates more than 25 years ago, Roger danced professionally and toured all over North America, Mexico and Europe. In 1985, he got his BFA in Dance from The University of Texas at Austin. In addition to dance, he has always been a swimmer—an athlete at his core.
 
Roger came to Studio Be with immense knowledge about the Pilates method. He has ample training and experience and is authentic to the work. Those who have taken his classes know how much there is to learn from Roger.
 
Read on to learn how Roger found Pilates, what inspires him, and what advice he would give to anyone looking to improve their practice.
 
Finding Pilates
 
Q: How did you find Pilates & how long have you been teaching?
 
A: I first came across Pilates while dancing in New York City. I remember thinking to myself, ‘but I don't need any more crunches!' and left it there. Five years later, as an unemployed dancer, I had the opportunity to work at Winsor Pilates in Los Angeles. Soon after I started working there, Romana Kryzanowzka (a Pilates instructor who trained under Joseph Pilates himself) began flying in from New York City to train us over long weekend periods, every 3 to 4 months or so.
 
It took me witnessing a 'teaching moment' by Romana to say I truly found Pilates.
After several of those weekends, I was still not appreciative of any “magic” of Pilates in my personal practice. And my attitude was full of conceit—I was skeptical that Romana, in her 70s at the time, had much to teach young dancers about keeping in shape.
 
This particular day we were learning the short box series on the high barrel, and she was unimpressed with several of our attempts to model her teaching (she had us demonstrating the exercises she was teaching). She shushed us all away from the barrel and announced she will show us herself what she is trying to teach us. 
 
And she did. She performed the full series through with ease, grace, lightness, joy. She was beaming and proud, a kid in her playground.
 
All I could think was, ‘Better pay attention! I want to move like that at her age!’ My jaw was on the floor. 
 
I had found Pilates.
 
Inspiration
 
Q: Who inspires you most when it comes to Pilates or life in general?
 
A: In the over 25 years I’ve been involved in Pilates, there are many people I admire. There are those who teach and those who help others teach. So many of the clients I get to work with, who work so hard, also inspire me. And so many of my colleagues who change lives in front of my eyes every day. 
 
Pilates takes dedication, discipline, humility, curiosity, practice. 
 
I admire those humans who take it on.
 
Words Of Advice
 
Q: Now that you’ve been working with students at Studio Be for a year, if you could give them 3 pro-tips on how to approach, deepen and develop their practice, what would they be?
 
A:  

1. To approach the practice, you must have Dedication.
2. To deepen your practice, you must have Discipline.
3. To fully develop your practice, you must have Humility & Curiosity.

Sharing my favorite books having to do with Pilates, health & wellness, nutrition, and personal development.

My top three reads for September:

1. "LIGHT ON LIFE" BY B.K.S. IYENGAR
Authored by the hailed "Michelangelo of Yoga,” this book teaches how yoga can transform our lives and help us live in harmony with the world around us.

Click here to buy.

2. "THE EARTH DIET" BY LIANA WERNER-GRAY
Over 100 nutrient-dense, gluten-free recipes, tips for shifting out of toxic habits and lifestyle recipes for household, and personal-care products to help you heal in all areas of your life.

Click here to buy.

3. "THE HORMONE RESET DIET" BY SARA GOTTFRIED, M.D.
A good read for anyone over the age of 30 and based on leading scientific research, this book teaches you how to heal your metabolism and lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days—and just feel great!

Click here to buy.

What books are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
Meet Jen
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I am a geophysicist and recently became Chief of the Renewable Energy Section at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Pacific Region. Basically, I’m a scientist working for the federal government in renewable energy leasing and a giant nerd. I’m 43 years old, married to a carpenter I fell in love with while snowboarding in high school. We have two kids: Seth, 13, and Jolie, 9. I’m an adventurous spirt, always in the outdoors—at the beach, hiking, snowboarding, camping. 
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A: I work out often to manage stress. My job is a lot, and on top of that, I’ve had some personal loss and heath struggles over the last few years. Exercise is my release. My weekly routine includes Pilates 2 to 3 times a week, spin once a week, and I like to get in a yoga class or two, plus squeeze in a run, trail run or hike. Pilates has quickly become my absolute favorite exercise, and I honestly wish I could do it every day!
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: I’m new to Pilates; I just started coming regularly in the last five months. I enjoy the detailed focus it requires and how it both strengthens and lengthens my body at the same time. I’ve struggled with hip pain and tight muscles for a few years now, and no amount of stretching helped. Pilates has strengthened the muscles in my core and hips so that I have much more mobility and flexibility, and a lot less pain.
 
Pilates has improved the quality of my life, made me feel amazing in my own skin and has alleviated my chronic hip pain. I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: Both of my parents did not take care of themselves as they aged. I watched this as a young adult and did not want to take the same path. As I got older, I needed to exercise to manage stress or just take a moment for myself. I genuinely enjoy working out and moving my body and am motivated when I see improvements—like getting stronger, being able to do more complicated moves and gaining flexibility. 
 
This winter, I surprised myself by getting nearly vertical while making looping turns on my snowboard and dragging my glove across the snow. It felt fantastic, and I could not have done it without all the Pilates and core strength. Being healthy and fit lets me adventure like I want!

Barre is a group fitness activity centered around the ballet barre. Many of its movements are derived from ballet. Nevertheless, not all Barre methods are the same.
 
At Studio Be, our Barre philosophy is rooted in the classical method of Pilates and blends both ballet and Pilates movement.
 
I love taking Pilates to the Barre because you get to incorporate Pilates principles and concepts—focused on posture and core connection—in a vertical (standing) setting at the ballet barre, excellent for balance and body weight training.
 
With the addition of music and choreography, and the use of small weights, bands and balls, Barre is another way to sculpt and tone your body, but in a less constricting way—and it’s fun! 
 
Read on for three ways Barre complements the Pilates practice.  
 
Barre Incorporates Cardio
 
Barre can provide the cardiovascular exercise that you don’t traditionally get in Pilates, which usually takes place on a piece of equipment or a mat. At the barre, there is more freedom of movement that happens when you’re standing up. 
 
By adding Barre workouts—in addition to Pilates—to your fitness routine, you can mix it up and get in that missing cardio! 
 
Barre Is Playful & Fun
 
I’ll admit, Pilates can sometimes be intimidating due to the nature of the equipment and the slight learning curve that comes along with it. (This is why I typically encourage a series of privates to learn the basics before you step into your first beginner class. Click here for specials on our new student private sessions!)
 
Barre is a combination of dance, yoga and ballet with the elements and principles of Pilates. It requires a little less knowledge and can be more playful, fun and approachable.
 
Barre is both a great segue into the world of Pilates and a great way to change things up and let loose if you’re already seasoned Pilates veteran.  
 
Barre Creates A Social Environment
 
Barre is also more social than traditional Pilates. Pilates often requires you to focus—on your breathing, your movements, staying in sync, and so on. It’s as much of an exercise for your mind as it is your body. 
 
Barre brings a different vibe. It’s a social work out you can do with your friends that still uses Pilates elements. When you mix up the two types of workouts weekly, you get a well-rounded fitness repertoire.
 
Final Thoughts
 
At Studio Be, our Pilates classes are based on the classical Pilates method founded by Joe Pilates many years ago—a complete workout for the body and mind. And our Barre classes are an amazing complement. A match made in heaven if I do say so myself.
 
We like to burn at the Barre. Our routines are very effective for sculpting and toning. Plus, they’re lots of fun! 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR PILATES-CENTERED BARRE CLASSES.

There are so many books I want to share with you all, so I thought I’d start a little “book club” on the blog. Each month, I’ll share with you some of my top recommendations having to do with Pilates, health and wellness, nutrition, and personal development. I might even throw in a podcast here and there!

Here we go... my top three reads for August: 

1. "THE PILATES BODY" BY BROOKE SILER
My very first Pilates book and the perfect manual for students—beautiful illustrations, imagery and a strong foundation for understanding Pilates.

Click here to buy.

2. "BREATH: THE NEW SCIENCE OF A LOST ART" BY JAMES NESTOR
For anyone looking to improve their overall health—Pilates and beyond.

Click here to buy.

3. "JUDGMENT DETOX" BY GABRIELLE BERNSTEIN
For anyone looking to improve their mental wellbeing—a step-by-step process to release beliefs that hold you back from living a better life.

Click here to buy.

What books are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
Meet Georgia 
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I’m 69 with two adult kids and I’m a semi-retired legal assistant. I love to garden, do Pilates, hot yoga, walk, hike, and ride my bike, travel and babysit my grandson.
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A:  I work out about 6 days a week most often, usually Pilates with a smattering of yoga, barre, walking, hiking and biking. I am and have always been very physical and athletic, and until 10 years ago, I had a hard time giving up some of it in order to not get injured (I used to jog, do aerobics, lift etc.)
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: When I was 52, I turned to Pilates to help a back injury that traditional western methods were not really fixing. The reformer fascinated me, and I discovered not only did I love it, but it also relaxed me and "centered" me in a mind/body, almost spiritual way that nothing else ever did, while still challenging me and keeping me toned, strong and flexible at the same time. My back healed completely over the first 6 months of Pilates, which I did 2 to 3 times a week. It also streamlined and elongated my body in a way that suited my age and eye better than in previous years, as I wasn't as concerned about being muscular anymore. 
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: I've always been a little high strung, and Pilates for me is a natural Valium, so to speak. It clears my head, feeds my soul, and is physical therapy and fitness for my body. What motivates me is—after a life of a lot of excesses and testing my body in many ways—I want to stay fit to stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong, healthy and calm. I discovered years ago after some intense life events just how amazing it is to have a clean body and peaceful heart and mind, and I never want to go back. 
 
The bottom line is I have always believed mental and physical health go together, and I tried to instill this in my children, too… Pilates forever!