4C’S Pilates: Q & A With Nancy McIver
by Shanel Joisil
Are you a 4C’s student in search of a new hobby that will not only help you relieve stress but also strengthen your body?
Look no further, because the college is now offering Pilates courses designed just for you.
After attending a Pilates class with Nancy McIver, I caught up with her for a short conversation.
Q: For those who don't know, what exactly is Pilates and how is it different from other exercise classes?
A: Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on improving core strength, flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness.
Pilates is different from other exercise classes because of its strong emphasis on strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, and pelvic floor. Pilates also emphasizes the mind-body connection, promoting concentration, control, and precision in movement. Pilates is low impact to the body making it suitable for people of various fitness levels and those with injuries or joint issues can still fully participate. Pilates also has a whole-body approach where the workouts target the entire body and promote balanced muscle development. It aims to improve overall body posture and alignment.
Q: When did you decide to focus on Pilates?
A: I began my Pilates journey in 1993 after an over-use fitness injury. A Pilates Instructor friend talked me into trying one of her classes.
Q: Why did you decide to focus on Pilates?
A: Pilates was a way for me to keep moving through an injury and learning new body mechanics.
Q: Would you consider Pilates to be an intense or light workout?
A: The intensity of Pilates is highly customizable. Instructors can adjust the difficulty of exercises, and individuals can modify movements to match their fitness levels. The versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of people, from those recovering from injuries to elite athletes. In essence, Pilates can be as intense or light as you make it, depending on your preferences and goals.
Q: What's the most common misconception about Pilates?
A: One of the most common misconceptions about Pilates is that it’s primarily a workout for women or that it’s only focused on achieving a specific body aesthetic, such as a “long and lean” physique. In reality, Pilates is a versatile exercise system suitable for people of all genders, ages, and fitness levels.
Q: How many times a week should a person do Pilates?
A: The ideal frequency of Pilates practice is a personal choice. It’s important to find a schedule that aligns with your goals and lifestyle while allowing your body to adapt and recover. Consulting with a Pilates Instructor and/or fitness professional can help you create a plan that suits your needs.
Q: What's your biggest tip to someone who wants to pick up Pilates as a hobby?
A: Try Pilates three times before making a decision about it. Be patient while trying it the first couple of times because it’s likely it’s very different from most exercises you’ve done.
Starting Oct. 31, Pilates I (FIT164) will be offered Q2 Term. The course runs Tuesdays and Thursdays for eight weeks as a 1-credit course. Students should sign up through registration.
Pilates/stretch/yoga-ish classes also are being offered as a drop-in at 4:45 p.m. Mondays and 12:30 p.m. Thursdays in the center classroom/studio located in the lower level of the Life Fitness Center (gymnasium).
For more information or any inquiries: [email protected], or visit the Fitness Center during operating hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
MainSheet reporter Shanel Joisil takes part in a Pilates class. (Nancy McIver)
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