THE RHYTHM'S GONNA GET YOU…
Oh no! I'm not referring to the 1987 UK chart hit of Gloria Estefan, I'm talking about Rhythm Pilates… Lisa Hubbard is the Creator and Founder of Rhythm Pilates and a Senior Faculty Member for world renowned BASI Pilates. She is an internationally recognized Pilates figure, and an inspiration to many movement practitioners.
So, what is Rhythm Pilates? Lisa created this workout method for this simple reason - She recognized the fact that there is an undeniable excitement and energy when uplifting music is incorporated into a class, and that Pilates should be no exception. Her challenge was to create something that didn't reduce the principles of Pilates or minimize its profound results. The magic of Rhythm Pilates is that it`s still traditional BASI Pilates mat work, and all the original principles of Pilates are still emphasized, but by incorporating fluid transitions into a series of invigorating movement sequences, it takes Pilates to a whole new level. We all know it's scientifically proven that the metabolic rate is increased by incorporating motivating and uplifting music while working out - adding that flavor to Pilates work adds an awesome cardiovascular effect and it is fun, fun, fun!
I was really not surprised to hear that the Rhythm Pilates classes have been in the top 10 of the “Most Popular” category on the worldwide Pilates Anytime website for the past few years. Okay, so, without getting too technical, Rhythm Pilates consists of three sections: Harmony (A moderately paced class, incorporating over 60 mat exercises), Beats and Tempo (picking up the pace, and offering over 80 full-body, functional exercises) and On the Rise (A challenging advanced level culminating over 70 exercises).
Of course you won't do all 210 exercises in one workout! The class is structured and planned carefully by the instructor to suit the needs and levels of ability of the participants. There is something available for everyone, at every level. The workouts vary in levels and complexity, and the sequencing is thoughtfully created to target the whole body.
So why is our studio going the Rhythm Pilates route? We are mainly an Aerobics facility and thus our clients are, in a way, “spoiled” by the concept of working out to music. Time has taught us that with the perfect playlist ALWAYS comes power, energy and life. Rhythm Pilates has proven once again that music has the ability to humanize the mechanical precision of the work. And let me repeat: Rhythm Pilates enhances the mind-body connection, it DOES NOT compromise it at all!
Research has proven that MUSIC beats out all other art forms in producing a dynamic response in the central nervous system. Considering the current place Pilates holds in the fitness industry, more and more Pilates professionals agree that the right music can help participants connect on a deeper level with their breath and alignment.
Does Rhythm Pilates blur the lines between Pilates and simply fitness classes? Definitely not! It's BASI orientated, and extremely precise. It's fresh, but still functional. You see, nearly all movements in life take on a rhythm…a pattern of beats within a segment of time. Whether it be a song, your heartbeat, your walk, your speech, how you sweep the floor (I know, if ever), the way you stir your coffee or chew your gum…let alone how you step, dance or lift weights. Have you ever really thought about it? We develop rhythms to help us be efficient in the way we do these things. I`m proud to say that in 2017 our studio has one of the first studios in South Africa to become a certified Rhythm Pilates facility!