For Traverse City brothers Matt and Brad Anderson, Pilates is an essential part of their lives, a longtime practice that began not long after Pure Pilates opened its doors nearly 20 years ago.
Matt and Brad were intrigued after learning their friend Jennifer Cutler was opening the studio.
“I had never heard of Pilates but wanted to support Jennifer in her new business and try something new,” Matt recalled. “After it was described to me, with using the reformer and that it was a total body-type strengthening routine, I was in.”
Not long after Pure Pilates opened, Brad decided to try Pilates after dealing with an injury.
“I was coming off a herniated disk injury and Jennifer suggested I needed to strengthen my core,” he said, “And it sounded interesting, so I dove right in. I will say that I haven’t had any back pain since I began consistently practicing Pilates.”
We recently spoke with Matt and Brad about their years of Pilates experience and how their dedication to the practice has positively impacted their overall health and wellbeing. Here’s what they had to say:
How would you describe your experience at Pure Pilates? And how often do you take classes?
Matt: I take pilates classes when I travel and I feel like Jennifer is the best there is as an instructor. I also believe the other instructors have continued to learn and build their teaching techniques over time and provide a great workout as well. I’ve taken classes once or twice a week since the beginning and I supplement this workout with other activities.
Brad: I feel like Jennifer is the best instructor for me because she has such a passion and a wealth of knowledge. Those qualities can be seen in all the instructors because she sets such a positive example on what works best and puts the client first. She can identify areas of need based on where your body is in a given time or how it can respond best from an injury or how to prepare if you want to start a new exercise hobby. I take Pilates once per week on a consistent basis. When I travel I look for a studio to keep on a regular schedule.
What would you like other men to know about following a Pilates practice?
Matt: When we first started there weren’t too many men, I believe, mainly because men did not know what it was and thought it was maybe more like yoga or not a vigorous workout. Now, lots of men take the classes and understand how it benefits their body, how challenging it is and how as we age, it’s so important.
Brad: What I want men to know about Pilates is that I consider it a progressive practice that helps both with mind and body. Every time you go it’s a different type of routine. It’s fun, tough and helps you concentrate and work on areas of weakness.
How has Pilates impacted your overall health and wellbeing?
Matt: The focus on my core and the many small muscles that need work extend to the larger muscle groups. It’s helped my overall health immensely, I feel strong, I know my weak spots and what to emphasize. I also feel my flexibility is vastly improved through Pilates. I like the variety and the consistency of the workout; there are many different ways to work different muscle groups so it never gets boring and stays challenging.
Brad: What I like about Pilates is that I consider it both a practice as well as a workout. Every session is an evolution from where we began. It helps you understand the connectivity in your body with the meditative aspects of your mind.
How does Pilates help you feel strong in other athletic or health pursuits?
Matt: Depending on the season, I like to downhill and cross-country ski, run, hike and go to a traditional gym. I feel good when mixing in those other workouts, my legs and core are strong for skiing, I run a 5k once or twice a week and feel good. Basically I have a good baseline strength-wise for anything else you may want to do.
Brad: Adding in a variety of other types of training along with Pilates is how it works for me. I call it the glue that helps maintain balance and strength that allows you to do a variety of things better and more confidently. I like to do lots of different types of exercise routines based on the season or if I want to stave off tedium. From time to time I will run, bike, cross-country ski, down hill ski, SUP, HIIT and Pilates helps me be more confident and prepared for each one. It helps with balance and concentration.
Do you usually take classes together or separately?
Matt: Both — I have a standing class on Fridays with a group including Brad and do another class on Tuesday mornings with another group. My sister, my brother-in-law and my daughter Macy all enjoy taking Pilates and we work out together on occasion. Once people try it and build up their strength it becomes a necessary part of their life and a priority for them.
Brad: I enjoy taking Pilates with my brother as it gives us a chance to connect for a few minutes each week.
Is there anything else you would like to people reading this to know about Pure Pilates or Pilates in general?
Matt: Give it a try, you will thank yourself for it later. Health and strength as we age is so important. Make it a priority in your life.
READY TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR OWN PURE PILATES PRACTICE? LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH US TODAY!