PILATES

PILATES IS A METHOD OF LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE THAT COMBINES CORE STRENGTH, POSTURAL ALIGNMENT, AND MOBILITY.

Your core includes your spine, abdomen, pelvis, hips, and the surrounding musculature that provides support to these structures and to your whole body. There are actually four layers that comprise our core; our transverse abdominis (the deepest layer), the rectus abdominis (known as our six-pack), our internal and external obliques (the sides of our abdomen), and our erector spinae (located in your back along your spine). Our hip flexors (muscles in our pelvis and upper leg) also play a large role in our core strength, posture, and mobility.


Unlike other forms of exercise, Pilates does not over-develop some parts of the body while neglecting others. Although Pilates training focuses on core strength and postural alignment, it truly trains the whole body, ensuring every aspect is integrated, moving in optimal function.


Pilates workouts are designed to promote balanced muscle development. Through these carefully constructed workouts, you will note improve muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and strength and stability throughout these new found ranges of motion.


With Pilates training you will also find yourself gaining more awareness of the core and how it works together with the rest of the body, ultimately improving your overall health, wellness, and fitness. Through increased attention to your body, you will easily align your movements with your mind and breath, providing a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere.


This is also why Pilates has gained popularity, not only in the fitness realm, but also in rehabilitation and in athletes training programs. Pilates is a great foundation for any and all movement.

THE BENEFITS OF PILATES:

  • Increased Strength
  • Improved Muscle Tone
  • Leaner and Longer Body
  • Increased Flexibility
  • Improve Joint Mobility and Range of Motion
  • Improved Alignment
  • Balance of Muscles and the Body
  • Improved Posture
  • Improved Balance
  • Increased Body Awareness and Control
  • Improved Coordination
  • Injury Prevention
  • Relieves Back Pain
  • Helps With Osteoporosis
  • Complements/ Supplements Physical Therapy and Other Rehabilitative Bodywork
My family has worked with Aurore for years. Initially I had my teenage son go to her in lieu of physical therapy and in order to straighten out his posture. It literally became the highlight of his week. Not only did his body start feeling really good but the friendship bond he developed with Aurora, with her amazing encouragement, support, and expertise, also gave him confidence and feeling like he had a trusted friend. When Aurora moved across the country, she was sorely missed. The silver lining of Covid / Quarantine was we reached out to her and she has been giving us customized fitness sessions 3 times a week. Now the whole family participates. So no matter where you live, if you want a superb person and teacher, contact Aurore.

Stacy M

John Doe's Image
Aurore is so knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about getting you where you want and need to be. I'm a professional dancer and I've seen her when I've needed rehab from injury and for just plain maintenance. I trust her totally with my body! Her studio is private, clean, and very zen. She's also hilarious and very kind, to top it all off. She's been through injuries in the past, so she also understands the emotional component of healing when rehab is involved. She really knows body mechanics and how to tailor our work to where my body is that day and where I'm trying to be. I can't say enough about how invaluable she is to have on your support team. I wish I could give her 20 stars.

Drew F. Broadway Performer

Aurore is a gifted teacher and healer. She guides her clients gently but firmly to reach their personal best. She is a joy to work with and you will leave each session feeling completely refreshed!

Alana K

"I am a 78-year-old male and have never worked with a trainer or physical therapist. I was apprehensive about my movement capacity as well as working out in a female dominated studio. Aurore encouraged me and has such a keen sense of humor and joy that I immediately felt comfortable and motivated. I am now fully hooked on Pilates, Gyrotonic and Integrative Functional Movement Training and credit Aurore for my youthful appearance and outlook."

Stan H

"I couldn’t speak more highly of Aurore and her expertise. I’m in healthcare myself and can attest to her thorough knowledge of the body and the intricacies of movement. She really knows the body better than most! I leave her sessions feeling not only stronger, but overall empowered, and more knowledgeable of my own body and what strengths and weaknesses I have. She can read and understand a body like it’s a gift she has acquired. Her studio is calm and serene, which ironically grounds and mellows me out, even while working out! It’s fantastic to leave feeling I’ve accomplished a work out and a meditation all in one. You won’t regret this experience! It leaves you wanting more."

Natalie R. Acupuncturist

"As a professional dancer who has been nursing a host of injuries, Aurore at MoveArt Studio is my go-to for attentive, articulate and all-around excellence in training. Her studio is always clean and neat, with all the needed tools and machines for total body strengthening, mobility and rebalancing. I particularly love Aurore's approach to the WHOLE body: it's one thing to train the body, but she has what is like a sixth-sense of understanding where mental tension can hole up and keep certain areas of the body from reaching their full potential in range. Her wealth of knowledge in how both Pilates and Gyrotonic are uniquely valuable has literally helped my body and my mind get back on the stage. For any one, but especially any professional dancers in Jersey and NYC needing a tune-up: Aurore is who you need! Thank you, MoveArt!"

Nicole B. Professional Dancer

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PILATES?

Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, someone experiencing pain from work, a senior citizen, or are pregnant or in the postpartum period, the foundations of Pilates apply to you.


Rather than focusing on specific populations, Pilates has been created for anyone, no matter what stage they are in in life.


Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and using a body and mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs. Pilates can help anyone build toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of the body as a whole, improving the functional fitness needs of a person as they move throughout life.

IS PILATES SAFE?

Pilates is safe for everyone, especially when working with a trained professional as movements can be modified to meet anyone’s needs.


One of the ways that Pilates creates long, strong muscles is by taking advantage of a type of muscle contraction called an eccentric contraction. Eccentric contractions are great for the body because they promote more strength, control, and are very efficient compared to typical concentric contractions.


In Pilates, we also work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. Through slow movements, incorporating the body, mind, and breath, we can best maintain control and move safely within a user’s comfort level.


The core, including the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor are muscles that we rely on to support a strong and robust back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When the core is strong, the entire frame of the body is supported and everything is working well together. This safeguards you from possible injuries, aches or pains. Pilates is not only safe, but it helps to decrease your risk of possible injuries.


When first starting, Pilates may seem intimidating. But as you begin with Pilates movement fundamentals, you will begin one on one with a trainer, becoming accustomed to the mat exercises and eventually advancing to use of the equipment.


And through this safe and effective training you will gain the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates. You will feel better, move better, and live a healthier, balanced, pain free life.