Where should I be feeling this?

One of the biggest questions we get from clients across the board, in every different exercise is, “where should I be feeling this?” If you’ve had that same question yourself, you are in good company! The answer is cliche and annoying but that won’t stop me from saying it. There are a few big things that set Pilates apart as a workout, one of the most unique aspects, the “secret sauce” if you will, is the full body recruitment in every single exercise. Now when I say this to a client, a teacher in training or even my spouse, I will almost always get a response along the lines of, “well I really feel this _____; is that wrong?” The simple answer is No. AND, that does not mean that it is not still a full body exercise, or that you are doing it wrong. It means that you are working the exact muscles that need to be worked, the muscles that if given the chance, will opt out and ride the bench while the workhorses dutifully take over and get it done. This system, when taught as it was created, is so brilliant because it was built to balance your body, to build strength where there is weakness, and give flexibility where there is tightness. If you are working with a well trained instructor, they can make any exercise the right exercise for your body. Talk to any Pilates instructor and they will give you the hard sell on why everybody needs pilates, but it’s true… **winks**. No two bodies will experience this work in the same way, even the same body will not experience Pilates the same way from year to year. There is a reason we all walk around constantly talking about Pilates (and it is only partially because we get to wear athleisure kit all day every day). This body of work meets you where you are, and has the potential to benefit you no matter your goals, current limitations, age, job, desires and needs. It has grown with me, the very same exercises that helped me a young 20-something working a desk job with tightness and pain after a running related injury 10 years ago, is now helping the current, 30-something, Mom in me work on pelvic stability and mending Diastasis Recti after two perfect babies. Honestly I cant wait to see how it changes over the next decade with me. If you are reading this, you meet the requirements and you owe it to your one and only body to see what Pilates can do for it.

— Kale Luhrman

Co-Owner of Control Studios