Frequently Asked Questions about Poolates^®.

Q. What is Poolates^®?
Q. Who benefits from Poolates^®?
Q. How is it different from “regular” aquatic classes?
Q. Who developed Poolates^®?
Q. Where can I do Poolates^®?
Q. Can hard-core exercisers benefit from Poolates^®?
Q. Why is the trend to move land-base disciplines to the water?
Q. What staff training and equipment are necessary?
Q. Describe the movement and flow of a Poolates^® class?

Q. What is Poolates^®?

A. Poolates^® is the revolutionary exercise program that combines the principles of the Pilates method with the benefits of aquatic exercise. The result is a spectacular strength-building, posture-enhancing, flexibility-boosting workout that is safe and effective for most everyone.

Q. Who benefits from Poolates^®?

A. Anybody can. Poolates^® provides an exciting way to tone and shape legs, abs and back; improve posture; increase flexibility and range of motion; and improve balance. Traditionally, aquatic exercise is favored by people with joint pain, stiffness, or arthritis, and those who are otherwise more comfortable exercising in water, include pregnant women. Poolates^® is also an excellent form of cross-training for athletes who especially benefit from the flexibility, balance and increased range of motion training.

Q. How is it different from “regular” aquatic classes?

A. Poolates^® is very different because all the movements are drawn from Pilates mat, standing or apparatus exercises.  All Poolates^® movements work the body from the inside out, drawing on deep postural muscles. In addition, many movements are performed on one leg at a time, recruiting more stabilizers, and enhancing the strength and toning benefits of the movements. By using the resistance and buoyancy enhancing effects of water, Poolates^® offers new challenges to traditional Pilates methods. 

Q. Who developed Poolates^®?

A. Poolates^® was developed by Rebecca Cardozo-Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Fitness, LLC a Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer who has a background in medicine and law and a degree in public health.  

Q. Where can I do Poolates^®?

A. Boo offers one-on-one Poolates^® sessions and group classes in South Florida. She also provides special sessions nationwide upon request. Due to the popularity of Poolates^®, Pfeiffer Fitness is launching a program to train and license instructors in the Poolates^® method. To find Poolates near you, click here.

Q. Can hard-core exercisers benefit from Poolates^®?

A. Absolutely! Water creates more resistance than air and demands greater muscle use for stability. Poolates^® provides an intense workout by using small muscles in a precise manner but participants feel relaxed, not overworked. This added benefit is due to the buoyant aquatic environment. Once clients leave the water, though, they say their “jello” muscles confirm what a serious workout they’ve had.

Q. Why is the trend to move land-base disciplines to the water?

A. As more people recognize exercise as a necessity, organizations are responding by adding programs that reach out to people we wouldn’t normally see in a gym. Most older or heavier people, people with chronic injury or illness, or people new to consistent exercise can do a water-based workout because it is easy on the joints. Poolates^® offers a viable exercising option for everyone including people with health issues. Everyone, in the water! Swimmers and tri-athletes use Poolates^® to cross train. And everyone in-between should consider Poolates^® as a way to maintain good health and help prevent future problems. All in a soothing, relaxing and fun environment.

Q. What staff training and equipment are necessary?

A. Our courses teach instructors to understand the intricacies of Poolates,^® water exercise and safety, the benefits to different populations (professional athletes, casual exercisers, pregnant women, those with health challenges, etc.) and how to properly promote the Poolates^® program. Basic Poolates^® uses readily available, inexpensive props such as foam rollers, aqua dumbbells and resistance tubing. Overall, a small investment reaps tremendous rewards for your organization and your clients.

Q. Describe the movement and flow of a Poolates^® class?

A. Class begins with an introduction to Poolates^® and the fundamentals of form, breathing, flow and posture. All exercises flow from one to another via natural movements, beginning with a warm-up then moving into key practices for breathing and stability, muscle strengthening, posture and form. Many movements will be recognized by anyone familiar with traditional Pilates work.