Keeping it Real with Kristen Shahverdian

Q: Kristen, tell us about your fitness training.

A: I practice modern dance - I have been dancing all my life - and I am a certified Pilates instructor. I teach at Rittenhouse Square Fitness Club, World Gym, [and I] will be starting a class at Sweat Gym at 5th and Passyunk in October.

Q: What is Pilates?

A: Pilates is a form of body-mind fitness that works the center core of your body. It involves both strengthening and stretching of the body, mainly the core area.

Q: Where does Pilates rank among other fitness activities in terms of strenuousness?

A: It can be very strenuous but it’s more along the path of yoga. It can be [strenuous] for anyone, at any fitness level, because no matter where you are [physically], it can benefit you. People with any physical limitations get a lot of benefit from Pilates.

Q: Are there certain types of people who should not do Pilates?

A: No, there’s no one who can’t do it. There are so many exercises within Pilates that, done reasonably, are safe.

Q: Do people need any special equipment at home to do Pilates?

A: No. In fact, there’s a whole series of mat exercises that are done without equipment. You can definitely do it at home.

Q: Can home tapes/DVDs be just as good as in-class instruction?

A: They’re not as good because a lot of people who do the tapes have never worked with an instructor. So, they can do a lot of things incorrectly. [At the same time, tapes] can be a good supplement to keep you motivated at home.

Q: How long is a typical Pilates workout?

A: One hour.

Q: An hour might sound scary to some. Is that a whole hour of very hard work?

A: In Pilates, we alternate between the strength and the stretching. Most of Pilates is done on a mat. So, in that hour, you're constantly alternating.

Q: Most people know the benefits of strength-training, but what is the benefit of all that stretching?

A: Today, we spend so much time sitting at a computer, at a desk, not moving around much. Our muscles become contracted. Pilates helps you get that correct alignment. With Pilates, you live in a lot less pain because you can stretch those muscles as well as contract them. You get the full range of motion with your muscles.

Q: How many times a week should a person do Pilates if she is trying to lose weight?

A: I would recommend that you do Pilates at least three times a week, with some kind of cardio work (at least 20 minutes) also three times a week [if you’re trying to lose weight.] Do them on the same day if possible or alternate.

Q: What do you think is the great benefit of Pilates?

A: I think what is really wonderful about Pilates is that it can really help people live a much a safer and healthier life. You don’t have to have a lot of pain. As a dancer, I had ankle pain, and a doctor told me I was going to have to have surgery. After I started Pilates, I learned I was standing [incorrectly].

Kristen also is available for private instruction. E-mail her at kshahver@hotmail.com