Graceful and uplifting, precise and powerful, Pilates offers a mind-body experience while strengthening, toning and improving flexibility. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, the discipline emphasizes the use of all planes of motion while engaging many muscle groups simultaneously. In addition it improves muscle tone, endurance, and posture as it strengthens the mind with its meditative quality.

Often associated as an exercise solely for dancers and athletes, Pilates benefits people of all ages and athletic abilities and is used extensively for rehabilitation. Pilates improves posture by strengthening and stabilizing the hard-to-get internal deep core abdominal and lower back muscles as well as developing the larger external muscles. It reduces stress and low back pain through breath and body awareness. Students of Pilates become stronger and more flexible without bulking up, often experiencing dramatic changes in their everyday range of movement. According to Joseph Pilates, “Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.”

Pilates can be practiced on a mat or with specialized equipment. Mat classes emphasize the development of core stability and teach the basic biomechanical principles of Pilates by using fitness circles, bands, blocks and balls. In our private sessions, the instructor guides the client through a series of exercises using a wide variety of equipment: the Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Reformer, Stability Chair and Ladder Barrel. Using resistance, this equipment challenges core stability while the legs and arms are in motion.

With over 500 exercises that can be modified to fit a range of clients from the injured to the elite athlete, Pilates is a powerful, redefining approach to exercise whether used alone or as the perfect complement to any cardio fitness or rehabilitation program.