Joseph Pilates is recognised for developing the original techniques and culture that we call Pilates. More about Joseph and the original development can be learned within the History section. It is important however to emphasize some key aspects about the original concept developed by Joseph Pilates, in order to fully appreciate what this regime is all about and what we will be trying to convey to you. 

1.   Pilates is very disciplined, precise and controlled. Unlike many other forms of exercise, you work the whole body in a carefully structured manner. The overdevelopment of muscle groups in localised areas of the body is therefore avoided.

2.   The teaching involves correct breathing. It is important to develop rhythmic movements of the diaphragm. This is the muscle structure that controls inhalation and exhalation by the lungs. Thus, deep, correctly focused breathing can be co-ordinated with other movements of the body. Students may take some time to fully appreciate the importance of the breathing discipline. Trust us – it IS necessary and it DOES have a very important role in your success with the exercise regime.

3.   The involvement of the student in carefully structured and controlled movements with close attention to detail, benefits the whole body. The process is designed to strengthen ligaments and joints, increase flexibility and lengthen the muscles.

4.   The process goes beyond the basic series of exercise movements. Pilates was developed as a holistic discipline that brings together the mind, body and spirit. We ascribe to Joseph Pilates‘ original teachings, which reinforce the integration of the mental and physical.

5.   Poise and balance are key areas of development central to the Pilates exercises. It is advantageous that these are practised and mastered, in order to comfortably make real progress.

6.   Substantial exertion and mindless repetition are NOT requirements of Pilates. This is a gentle, precise science with the emphasis on quality and not quantity.

7.   In addition to the concentration of the mind and body to focus on developing a taller, leaner, well balanced structure, modern Pilates reflects greatly upon the importance of the ‘core’. This is essentially your trunk – between the shoulders and hips. Carefully structured exercise patterns can help bring about correct natural alignment of the skeleton. By concentrating attention on the core of the body, you can re-educate your body to adopt correct posture through strengthening vital deeper muscle structures.

8.   Core stability exercising is the careful, concentrated attention to the development of deep muscle groups that control the spine and come into play in virtually every activity we are involved in. Not just sports or heavy work, but every daily action. The core stabilises the spine and greatly helps with balance, flexibility and co-ordination of the entire body. Development of a healthily structured core is key to a pain free back and a well toned stomach. Moreover, it can provide increased performance for sportspeople, fitness and flexibility for older folks and a return to condition of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles for women after pregnancy.

 So, if you want a long, lean, well toned look and also the strength, co-ordination, balance and poise to back up that look – Pilates is the discipline for you. You will not become an over-developed body builder or exercise superficially or for aesthetics alone. Pilates is all about development of the whole body, together with the mind. The slow controlled movements and sequences are structured to help enable energy to pass freely through your body, whilst your mind is trained to concentrate and dismiss the stresses of the day. In line with the aims of Joseph Pilates, the exercises are therefore designed to overcome the physical imbalances and fatigues which can be largely borne out of stress and the physical and mental lifestyles most of us lead today.