Welcome to Pilates Bodies for Christ
A four-week series designed to align movement with faith
Brought to you by Shandon United Methodist Church
Below, you’ll find materials to help prepare you in mind, body and spirit for our time together.
Course Roadmap
Sunday, April 12th
Theme: Discipline
Reflection verse: “[…] exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7)
Sunday, April 19th
Theme: Strength for Service
Reflection verse: “She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)
Reflection verse: “She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)
Sunday, April 26th
Theme: Intent (Mind/Body Connection)
Reflection verse: “[…] I keep under my body and bring it into subjection.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Reflection verse: “[…] I keep under my body and bring it into subjection.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Sunday, May 3rd
Theme: Honoring the Body
Reflection verse: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Pilates: An Introduction
New to Pilates? Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the history of the practice:
- “An Animated History of Pilates” (6 min)
- “Mr. Pilates: Retro Report” (3 min)
A book on the original Pilates method as written by inventor Joseph Pilates. You’ll find classic Pilates moves such as “The Hundreds,” “Single Leg Stretch,” and more. Flip through this to have some familiarity before class:
Pilates & The Breath
Using the breath to the engage muscles is an important aspect of Pilates. We use breath to optimize each movement and keep the energy in the core, avoiding unnecessary strain and injury. These videos explain in more detail and should be watched before your first session and reviewed as necessary:
Self-Study / “Homework”
In between our weekly sessions at SUMC, I recommend that students practice at home, building up to 10 minutes or more daily to get into a solid routine and cultivate a new habit. Pilates is gentle enough for most people to perform each day. Including a few beginner-friendly YouTube videos below:
Pressed for time? Try an “Express” (and slightly spicier) Mat Pilates workout:
Expecting? 
Try these videos with pregnancy safe routines:
Space constraints? Difficulty in getting into positions on hands and knees? Try this standing Pilates workout, which focuses on balance: