What is the Pilates Method?

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates as a system of exercises that increase muscle strength and flexibility throughout the entire body.

The focus in on gaining support and strength in the central muscles of the body (called the Powerhouse) - the abdomen, lower back, inner thighs, and gluteal muscles - thus allowing the entire body to move with greater balance and coordination. The exercises help to flatten the stomach, trim hips, slim thighs, and increase upper body strength.

More than 500 specifically designed movements are performed on mats and on the unique apparatus built by Joseph H. Pilates. The exercises use resistance along with the body's own weight to massage, align, stretch, and strength muscles. As muscle tone and strength develop the body takes on a more streamlined shape with increased over-all flexibility. The exercises engage the entire body using focused concentration, muscle control, and coordinated breathing to provide a refreshing, energizing workout.

Pilates students Susan Austin & Sherri Tarrantano in a duet session

Who does Pilates?

The Pilates Method has been safely practiced by people of all ages for over eight decades. Because there is little impact on the body's joints, the work is accessible to older adults, people rehabilitating from soft tissue injury, and preferred by those looking for an alternative to high impact exercise. Instruction is specifically tailored to meet each client's needs. Since the Pilates Method is progressive, you can start at any fitness level.

Joseph Hubertus Pilates

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born near Düsseldorf, Germany in 1880. As a child, he suffered from a number of physical ailments including Rickets, Asthma and Rheumatic Fever. Pilates determined to overcome these health problems and so began a lifetimes dedication to physical fitness. Beginning with gymnastics, body-building and skiing, he also studied eastern methods of training such as Yoga and Zen meditation.

Pilates left his native Germany for England in 1912, where he earned a living in various ways - as a professional boxer, circus performer, even teaching self-defence to members of the police force at Scotland Yard. He continued to develop his system of exercise whilst interned during World War 1. The origins of the modern day "Reformer", with its spring resistance and sliding carriage, are to be found in equipment that Joseph Pilates developed during this period to enable bed-ridden patients to continue to exercise and develop strength and flexibility, working with springs taken from their beds.

Pilates opened his first dedicated 'Pilates' studio in New York during the 1920's. From the beginning, his greatest fans were drawn from the world of the performing arts. Leading lights of the dance world such as Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Hanya Holm used The Method to improve performance and prevent injury. Pilates continued to teach and develop equipment and exercises with his beloved wife Clara until his death in 1967.