About Pilates

Pilates is a form of body conditioning pioneered by Joseph Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1880.

A frail and physically challenged youngster, suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, to overcome the effects of poor health he studied body building, diving, skiing, and gymnastics and developed a series of exercises. He came to believe that our modern lifestyle, bad posture, and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health.

In 1926 he set up his studio in New York with his wife Clara, and passed on his technique to athletes and dancers, who found it useful for preventing and treating injury. Physiotherapists and osteopaths now recommend Pilates, because it is effective and safe. People from all walks of life, from ballet dancers to rugby players, from the injured and infirm to the super-fit, have found that Pilates really does make a difference to their quality of life.

Targeting the deep postural muscles, Pilates works by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct alignment. Slowly you will reshape your body which will become longer, leaner and more toned. It will also improve your posture, achieving the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, and is a great way to relieve unwanted stress and tension.