What is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact workout that focuses on strength, flexibility, posture, and core control. It combines mindful movement and breathing to help you build a stronger body, improve balance, and move with more ease.

Pilates Instructor leading a mat pilates class

Mat Pilates

This is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide resistance. The main aim is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of your body to improve posture, balance and coordination.

Pilates instructor leading students on Pilates reformers

Equipment Pilates

This includes specific equipment that works against spring-loaded resistance, including the ‘reformer’, which is a moveable carriage that you push and pull along its tracks. We have a Basi Cadillac that enahnces flexibility with strength training. Some forms of Pilates include weights (such as dumbbells) and other types of small equipment that offer resistance to the muscles.

In his book RETURN TO LIFE THROUGH CONTROLOGY, Joseph Pilates defined his work as a way to completely and thoroughly unify the body, mind and spirit. His principles, which we now call the principles of Pilates, are the foundation for his approach to physical fitness.

The Principles of Pilates

  • CONCENTRATION

    Concentration strengthens the mind-body connection. By staying mindful of each movement, you’ll get more from every exercise and build greater body awareness.

  • CENTERING

    During Pilates, focus on the center of your body. This “powerhouse” is where your strength begins—and centering your attention can bring calm to both body and mind.

  • CONTROL

    Pilates is rooted in mindfulness and complete muscle control. With proper form and focused awareness, you guide every movement safely and intentionally, engaging your whole body.

  • PRECISION

    Pilates prioritizes precision over repetition, Doing fewer reps with proper form is more effective than rushing through more. That’s why instructors focus on detailed guidance for every movement.

  • BREATHING

    Deep, controlled diaphragmatic breathing boosts circulation and energizes your muscles. Pilates encouraged breathing fully—like your lungs are bellows—and believed proper breathing is the most important part of exercise.

  • FLOW

    Pilates is designed to flow with grace and ease. Smooth, continuous movement from one exercise to the next builds strength, stamina, and control.

Benefits of Pilates:

Flexibility • Muscle Strength • Balance • Muscular Control • Stabilization • Posture • Injury Prevention • Coordination • Balance • Relaxation • Lung Capacity • Circulation • Concentration • Body Awareness • Stress Management

  • women stretching on mat

    UNDERSTANDING PILATES

    Pilates can feel totally different from your usual workouts because it targets muscles you may not even know you have. If you feel confused after your first class, don’t give up! It often takes a few sessions to really click and realize how deep the work truly is.

  • Woman on reformer with hands in straps

    TO SWEAT OR NOT TO SWEAT

    Pilates isn’t super cardio-heavy, especially at first. The heat comes from deep muscle work, so you may not sweat like you’re used to, and that’s totally okay. You’re still building strong, lean muscle, and the sweat often comes as you progress.

  • man rolling out yoga mat

    THE SORE FACTOR

    This is completely individualized. You may feel sore from using new muscles, but not everyone taps into those deep core muscles right away. It can take a few sessions to learn how to engage them, and then you’ll really feel the burn.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving your movement, well-being, and overall health! Whether you’re just starting out, building on your progress, or mastering your practice, our mission is to support you in achieving your health and wellness goals to their fullest potential.

Start your Pilates journey today!

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