Pilates is a program of exercise that promotes overall health and wellbeing (inclusive of body and mind), accessible by everybody!
Widely known for the mat work (floor) exercises and more recently for the reformer practice, Pilates also includes the use of other specialised equipment and small props to enhance the practice by adding assistance or resistance. Under direction of a qualified instructor, your Pilates practice is tailored to your ability and goals (whether for general health and well-being, or targeted exercise to support functional movement). Through Pilates you may discover improvement in posture, flexibility, mobility and strength.
Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates, who named this program of exercise “Contrology”. Born in the 1880’s near Düsseldorf, Germany, as a child he suffered from various illnesses resulting in physical limitations. By developing and practicing his own program of exercise and body building, he was able to overcome these challenges. In 1926, he took this method to the USA. Together with his wife Clara, he ran a Pilates studio in New York, neighbouring the New York City Ballet (whose dancers were amongst the first regular practitioners of Pilates).