What is Pilates?

The Method

The Pilates method is a unique workout that focuses on core stability while increasing strength, flexibility, stamina, and concentration.  Emphasis is placed on breathing and quality of form. Pilates is an experience that creates a new awareness of your body and your mind as you move through life. The Pilates workout is diverse and can be tailored to each person on an individual basis.

JOSEPH PILATES was born in 1880 in Germany. He grew up rather sickly and became obsessed with the frailties of the body and was determined to overcome his own afflictions. As a teenager, he became skilled in gymnastics, skiing, and skin diving. His determination and application to work his body to better health meant that, at an early age, he was not only studying the musculature of the body but was also in good enough shape to pose for anatomical drawings.  His studies became known as the Pilates Method.  He named this method Contrology.