IM=X Pilates is not your typical Pilates routine: the IM=X Pilates franchise program is completely unique. This blog entry will outline some of the key differences and advantages of IM=X as compared to more traditional Pilates methods.
First and foremost, IM=X has a strength-training component whereas traditional Pilates focuses on stability and balance with a lower resistance. Increased resistance is built into every aspect of the IM=X program design as well as the equipment manufacturing techniques. The IM=X Mat program is more athletic, utilizing weighted body bars, fatigue-oriented sequencing and higher repetitions at each muscle group. Other Pilates concepts tend to “skip around” to different muscle groups so they do not reach the same level of fatigue, which builds muscle endurance and strength. The IM=X Xercizer also features a heavy spring load. In fact, the first thing most clients say when they get on an Xercizer is “it’s heavy!” This is a good thing: working at an increased resistance (and doing so safely) has been proven to build muscle faster, and in turn, burn more fat. IM=X clients will develop lean, quality muscle while also burning calories and revving up their metabolism.
In addition, although Joseph Pilates was truly innovative for his time, he did not have access to the exercise science research of today. Elyse McNergney, Founder of IM=X, incorporates Exercise Science research and The Alexander Technique. Her years of experience with traditional Pilates, paired with her Masters-level research on Exercise Science, contributed to the IM=X Pilates program creation. Today, each and every IM=X certification course includes research abstracts so that IM=X instructors know the science behind what they teach. McNergney also created five unique fundamentals for spinal fitness which is built into every aspect of the program. The IM=X Five Fundamentals are a series of breathing and stabilization techniques designed to ensure spinal health and safety throughout all workouts. Although Pilates has long been touted as a panacea for all types of back injuries, the Five Fundamentals give IM=X a unique benefit to back pain sufferers. In fact, IM=X has a specific therapeutic exercise program which has been prescribed by physical therapists and chiropractors for decades.
IM=X also utilizes plyometric sequences, Interval Training and Heart Rate Training techniques for cardio and heart rate training which traditional Pilates franchises do not provide. We know that cardiovascular health is an important part of overall wellness (according to the CDC, about one in five deaths occur due to cardiac disease) and cardio training can help aid weight loss, burn calories and improve metabolism, making it an imperative component of any fitness plan. At IM=X, jump boards, jog squares, and indoor cycling bikes are all used to include cardio as part of clients’ overall fitness formula. While clients at other Pilates studios may need to supplement their workouts with running, Spin classes, or visits to the gym, IM=X members have the ability to unlock their full fitness formula – all under one roof.
Lastly, IM=X incorporates additional programs beyond Pilates, including yoga, ballet barre, cycling, cardio, and functional fitness methods. The IM=X repertoire includes nine certification courses resulting in hundreds of formats which can be combined to create thousands of hybrid workouts. This diversity of programming allows IM=X studios to keep clients constantly challenged, engaged, and motivated. Most importantly, it ensures superior results.
Among many components that make IM=X unique, we have discussed a few key elements: IM=X has a strength-training component, IM=X incorporates Exercise Science research and The Alexander Technique, IM=X has a specific therapeutic exercise program, IM=X utilizes plyometric and other cardio sequences, and IM=X incorporates additional programs beyond Pilates, including yoga, ballet barre, cycling, cardio, and functional fitness methods. The result is a proven effective system which is accessible for all clients with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation of back pain and injury.