Know the lingo at hgf

 At HGF, you may hear us describe our Athletic Pilates TM method as low impact, but high intensity, and you’ll also notice a lot of specific move names you probably won’t hear anywhere else. So, what does it all mean!? 

This guide is your one place to learn both: 

• Learn what low impact means, and

• get to know our favorite cues that help you move through class with confidence. 

“Low impact” refers to your body mechanics, not how hard you work. 

Our Athletic Pilates™ method is designed to be joint-friendly. You won’t find pounding on your joints, or any kind of abrupt impact here. Instead, our moves require you to be in control of your working muscles groups, keeping them engaged and burning until long after your workout ends for the day.  

Why it’s still high intensity: 

• The variable tension that our springs provide challenges your muscles through each phase of a move. 

• Isometric holds and pulses keep muscles under constant tension and begin to elevate your heart rate to provide blood flow to that muscle group. 

• Short, quick transitions between exercises elevate your heart rate in quick bursts between our moves.  

The result is a workout that builds strength, all while being kind to your joints. 

Learn our lingo: 

 Pulse 

Tiny, controlled range of motion, usually an inch or less, designed to keep the working muscle engaged under constant tension. 

 Up a few inches / Down a few inches 

Slightly larger than a pulse, these controlled movements help maintain intensity when the muscle is engaged 

Did you know that one inch is the size of a paper clip? Remember that for your next class! 

 Hold / Isometric Hold 

Holding still in the most challenging part of a move will increase reliance on anaerobic energy leading to big strength gains.  

 Lowest Spot 

The deepest point in your range of motion is where the muscle is working hardest. 

 Halfway Spot 

The midpoint of a range of motion, often used for alignment checks or as a benchmark position in a hold.  

 Full Range 

Moving through the entire range of motion your body has available. 

 How It All Comes Together 

Our low-impact method is paired with precise cueing that allows us to create high-intensity workouts without joint strain. Using terms like “pulse”, “hold”, and “lowest spot” helps your instructor give clear instructions all while keeping your muscles guessing.  

When the lingo feels unfamiliar at first, that’s normal. Everyone has to start somewhere! 💪