We often get this question: what is the difference between traditional Pilates (invented by Joseph Pilates over a century ago) and IM=X® (invented by our Founder and CEO Elyse McNergney)?
We thought it would be helpful to share this Q&A from our Founder explaining the unique IM=X® brand and advantages over traditional Pilates.
What is IM=X® Pilates?
Elyse McNergney: IM=X® (pronounced IMX) stands for Integrated Movement Xercize. It’s an elite pilates fitness program that marries the muscle toning and lengthening benefits of pilates with elements of strength and cardio training to increase flexibility, endurance and muscle tone, while strengthening the spine and abdominal core.
When was IM=X® founded?
EM: IM=X® was founded in 1996. The IM=X® programs, equipment design and educational courses began development around 1994. The IM=X® Basic class formats and fundamentals were completed in 1997 and there are always new classes being developed.
IM=X® is a scientific approach to fitness that is grounded in the physiological principles of spinal elongation, stabilization and muscle recruitment training. Flexibility, muscle strength, cardiovascular benefits and postural alignment improves with regular IM=X® workouts.
Although the physical principles of IM=X® are scientific; the choreography of IM=X® is creative and always evolving. Our goals are to keep the “work” of fitness fun, interesting, challenging and rewarding; and to offer the most effective workout within an hour. Achieving this efficiency means targeting the body’s most important muscle groups and working several muscle groups at the same time.
Why Did You Create IM=X® Pilates?
EM: I was certified in Pilates in 1992, and the Alexander Technique in 1994. I received a Masters in Dance Education from New York University; and in Exercise Physiology from Columbia University. My goal was to advance the teachings of J.H. Pilates into new programming that is more focused and updated. I did a lot of research when writing the educational courses that prepare other fitness professionals to teach IM=X®. Through IM=X® I believe that I have combined the essence of Pilates, the practical experience of teaching different populations, formal knowledge and the ongoing creative process of growing the Pilates’ legacy. There is an IM=X® service for the back patient as well as the professional athlete.
How did you conceive of the idea of IM=X®? Why?
EM: The fitness needs of clients are as diverse as the population. IM=X® clients range from 20 to 80 years in age. Some have disabilities (i.e. Parkinson, arthritis, chronic low back pain, bursitis of the hip) while others are professional athletes (i.e. Orel Hershiser and Jojo Starbuck). The choreography incorporated into the IM=X® workout of a Broadway dancer (i.e. Bethany Samuelson) is very different than that of the executive with low back pain. There is an “optimal program” for each client.
IM=X® focuses on strength building and is quite challenging even for the strongest weight lifter; IM=X® also avoids certain exercises from the original Pilates system to minimize stress on the spine or overstretching. IM=X® takes this into consideration and provides a different focus for the general public.
There are several IM=X® courses designed to educate and certify the fitness professional. There are also annual updates so that the certified teachers can continually add new formats to their routines.
Explain Integrated Movement Xercise.
EM: I am going to get a little scientific in my explanation because the value of IM=X® is in the physiology of the training approach. There are so many different ways to perform an exercise but there is only one efficient way – that is to recruit the muscles of the trunk. For example, when lifting a heavy object your spine should be extended and your abdominal/hip/back muscles should tighten. You should exhale forcefully as you lift to brace the body for the exertion. The trunk muscles should be strong and have lots of endurance. This is how you train in IM=X®; but the movements are full and varied.
In an IM=X® private training or group class, participants learn to lead from the center never from the limbs (arms or legs) even when performing a leg press or chest press. A forced exhale is used with each exertion to tighten the core muscles and the spine is always extended. These actions are done over and over but with different exercises. The result is that the muscles learn proper recruitment strategies and build enormous endurance. During the whole hour the abdominal and spinal musculature relax only 5 minutes. The other 55 minutes they are working. This creates core stability – a concept which is not new to the world of exercise; but which we do very well.
Tension is not equivalent to strength! It is possible to develop strong muscles while maintaining ease and grace through the body. The best athletes exhibit superior coordination, improved speed and response time, increased strength by way of core muscle integrity, and a strong “center”.
How does IM=X® differ from Pilates?
EM: By creating IM=X®, I updated [Pilates] concepts and practice reflecting the newest research on fitness and rehabilitation. For this reason, IM=X® has been described as “next evolution of Pilates”. The original Pilates Method was created by Joseph H. Pilates beginning in the 1930′s and culminating in the 1950′s — when he was training the dance community in NYC. Although traditional pilates is a great workout system, IM=X® Pilates adds resistance and cardio training so that you can receive all of the benefits in one program. The IM=X® sequences are more fatigue oriented and the “choreography” focuses on addressing the strength of muscle synergies through innovative program options: Stretch, Cardio, Abs, Upper Body, Lower Body, Interval Training, Pre/Postnatal, Golf/Tennis, etc.
Who can benefit from IM=X® training?
EM: Everyone — from fitness newbies to hard-core gym rats — can benefit from IM=X®. The program has been proven effective for all body types and fitness levels, regardless of age, weight or ability. IM=X® Pilates is a program that tones the whole body with amazing efficiency. It is an approach to exercise that develops spine stabilization, muscle endurance/strength and flexibility — it is beneficial to everyone. Typically, a new client begins with the basics as taught privately or in a beginners class. By developing the proper technique clients of all ages progress to more demanding classes such as Interval Training, Cardio or Lower Body. Our clients range from the Mets baseball players to seniors with disabilities. The IM=X® Pilates education prepares instructors and personal trainers to adapt session formats for clients of all different fitness levels. And, as participants progress through the program, the sequences and combination of moves become increasingly more challenging, so IM=X® is never boring.
You Also Manufacture Your Own Equipment, the Xercizer.
EM: Yes, our Reformer, the Xercizer, accomplishes several objectives – namely it can withstand heavy usage and accommodate large individuals such as professional athletes. The new design is also important to the club owner who is looking to buy equipment that is durable enough to withstand years of heavy usage.
In 2005, You Start the IM=X® Pilates Franchise.
EM: The IM=X® Pilates franchise offers the opportunity of our business systems and superior franchise support which includes marketing programs, instructor certifications, patented equipment, customer service, business training, advanced programs. Our instructor certifications, fitness services, and brand are proprietary; and meet the demands of today’s growing market segments. Your business will benefit from the increased demand for superior fitness programs in the categories of pilates, yoga, fitness, weight loss, and post-rehabilitation. When you franchise, you get both independence as a business owner and support from an established leader in the pilates and fitness industry.