To provide a true whole life fitness experience, Mettler acknowledges the tremendous impact of mind-body activities such as yoga and Pilates. Regardless of your experience, age, or fitness level, Mettler offers many different opportunities for you to experience change and improve your overall quality of life through yoga or Pilates.

Yoga

Currently in the US, approximately 16 million people practice some form of yoga and enjoy the health benefits it brings. Yoga is a discipline that incorporates breathing techniques and physical poses to unite mind and body. The benefits of yoga are far-reaching and include increased flexibility and strength, improved balance, sharper concentration, and stress-reduction.

The branch of yoga that incorporates physical movement and breathing techniques is called Hatha Yoga. At Mettler Center, we offer a variety of Hatha classes including Gentle, Flow, Strength, Sunset, and Kripalu. While each class has a different focus, all classes open the window to a greater sense of connection within and overall wellbeing. To learn more about our yoga class offerings, view our class descriptions. For specific class times, see our class schedule.

Please note that while many pose modifications can be made, it is advisable to check with your health care provider if you have had recent surgery or are recovering from a serious injury before attending a yoga class. Also, it is important to let the teacher know of any conditions that may need special consideration before class begins.

Yoga Fundamentals Workshop

Yoga Fundamentals, a 2-hour workshop which provides an introduction to yoga, is offered monthly. Information on the history and development of yoga is presented along with basic yoga breathing and beginning yoga postures. This allows the newcomer to feel more informed when choosing a yoga class. Dates are posted on the Mettler University calendar. Although there is no cost for this workshop, registration is required and can be completed by calling 356-6543.

Special Events

Periodically, additional workshops in other types of yoga are offered. Past offerings have included Kids Yoga, Yin Yoga, Relax and Renew™ Restorative Yoga, Laughter Yoga, and Yoga + Chocolate. Please see the Mettler University calendar for upcoming events.

Pilates

Nearly a century ago, Joseph Pilates developed a body conditioning technique designed to uniformly shape the entire body. This method is known as Pilates. The core, or “Powerhouse,” refers to the area of the torso between the lower ribs and hips, with an emphasis on the deepest layers of the abdomen. When the core is strong, it provides a stable foundation to stretch, strengthen, and tone muscles throughout the body. It also improves flexibility, posture, coordination, and balance, while reducing the risk of injury.

In a quest to maintain the integrity of the original Pilates while updating these exercises, a new and unique form of Pilates was born. This scientifically sound and safe form of Pilates was developed by the PhysicalMind® Institute. One of the world’s foremost authorities on Pilates, PhysicalMind® is the form the Mettler Center embraces and utilizes.

Benefits Of PhysicalMind Pilates:

• Balance strength and flexibility to create longer, leaner muscles
• Enhance overall muscular capacity
• Increase range of motion and flexibility
• Define and strengthen abdominal muscles
• Improve posture, coordination, balance, breathing, circulation, and body awareness
• Correct muscular imbalances, body aches and pains caused by routine activities, over training, and stress
• Reduce the risk of injury by learning to move efficiently, creating less structural stress on the body
• Decrease tension and fatigue, feel energized
• Non-impact exercises are adaptable and safe for any fitness level
• Boost performance in athletic and fitness activities, and quality of everyday life
• Quality instruction with trained professionals
• A choice of programs ranging from mat based group classes to private equipment based classes

On the mat, the body’s own weight is used to provide the resistance necessary to perform Pilates exercises. Mat work exercise offers a comprehensive and extremely effective full-body workout. In group classes, participants complete the same set of exercises simultaneously. Each person is encouraged to listen to their own body and to modify each movement to match their individual ability level. For specific class times, check out our class schedule.

Pilates Fundamentals Workshop

A monthly 2-hour workshop, Pilates Fundamentals is designed to provide you with a foundation for safe and effective Pilates. Through Fundamentals, you will learn exercise modifications, receive detailed and individual instruction, and discover the most effective ways to perform each exercise. Even the most advanced participants will be challenged. Attending this class before entering our regular mat-based classes is strongly encouraged. Please see the Mettler University calendar for the class schedule; registration is free and can be completed by calling 356-6543.

Yoga vs. Pilates

A Difference in Philosophy

The benefits of yoga and Pilates practices are extensive, with both equally important as part of a total fitness routine. But there are some significant differences between the two.

Yoga is mind-focused and is classified under flexibility, although it has elements of strength and even cardio at times. Pilates, on the other hand, is under the umbrella of strength, focusing on muscle conditioning, first and foremost.

Ultimately, both are excellent for muscular strength and flexibility, and both are extremely beneficial for most participants. The difference between the two lies in philosophy. Yoga focuses on how you feel, while Pilates concentrates on physical conditioning.

The best solution? Since no single type of exercise can give your body everything it needs, Mettler recommends a combination approach and an opportunity to discover what works best for you. We understand that each participant is different, so we will take the time to establish the most appropriate exercise program for you.