What is Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise method, originally called ‘controlollogy’ by its creator Joseph Pilates (1880-1969).  Inspired by both Eastern and Western techniques for physical and mental conditioning, including yoga, dance, martial arts and therapeutic exercise, Joseph developed a mat based programme to strengthen, stretch and tone the whole body. It has become the recommended practice for those wanting to improve postural awareness and core strength and as a rehabilitation method for acute and chronic back pain, soft tissue injuries, joint restrictions and sports injuries.

Suitable for everyone, the exercises combine flowing movements, coordinated with the breath, maintaining a focus on postural awareness and the use of the stabilising muscles of the abdomen and back. Through this mindful approach to movement clients develop a greater awareness of integrated movement, balancing the body’s muscular and skeletal systems.

During the First World War, Joseph Pilates worked as an intern in a hospital on the Isle of Man. It was during this period that he began his exploration of using large equipment for rehabilitation, starting by adding large springs to the patient’s beds. He later developed this in his New York studio to create the Reformer and Wunda chair. There are now Pilates studios all over the world using a variety of equipment to add resistance and assistance to exercises

Methods of Practice

Group mat based classes, are the most popular and accessible way of practicing Pilates. It is recommended that people take a beginning course or have some 1:1 sessions before joining a class to ensure that they are familiar with the principals and practice of Pilates. This enables them to get the maximum out of the class and work in a safe, focused manner. Exercises are taught based on the classical programme designed by Joseph Pilates and contemporary modifications, which have been developed to create a progressive practice. Small equipment such as Pilates balls, foam rollers, magic circles, prickly balls and dyno-bands are used to assist with strengthening and supporting the body.


Large Equipment classes, including: Reformer, Wunda Chair, Spring Board, Barrel and large gym ball. These very distinctive and versatile pieces of equipment are taught in small groups or on a 1:1 basis. Based on the original designs by Joseph Pilates they have been developed to enable an amazing variety of exercises for rehabilitation from injuries and to quickly improve fitness, strength and flexibility. Great fun too!


find out more about 
Pilates with Katrina in Cambridge
Pilates with Katrina in London
Pilates with Holly in Cambridge

Pilates is for:
Rehabilitation

General fitness 

To have fun!

Wellbeing

Quotes from 
Joseph Pilates


“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old.  IF it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”

“To achieve the highest accomplishments within the scope of our capabilities in all walks of life we must constantly strive to acquire strong, healthy bodies and develop our minds to the limits of our ability.”

“We retire too early and we die too young, our prime of life should be in the 70’s and old age should not come until we are almost 100.”

“Through the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained.  Self confidence follows.”