Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method to condition the body and the mind. It is 100% mental and 100% physical.

It is widely acknowledged that mind/body exercises are beneficial, and reflecting on why and how they work helps us get the most out of our movement practice. When the mind is not fully present in the body, the body cannot reach its full potential.

Proprioceptors in connective tissue, joints, ligaments, tendons, and skeletal muscles constantly detect external stimuli and relay that information to the brain. When the mind is preoccupied, it is less aware of these signals. By remaining fully present in the body, we can receive and process this sensory input. Proprioceptive feedback provides critical information to the brain, allowing it to guide precise force distribution, energy expenditure, muscle contraction, and relaxation. This balance of motor control and flowing movement is the hallmark of Pilates.

“I'm fifty years ahead of my time...”   - Joe Pilates

Joseph Pilates named his method Contrology because it trains the mind to direct how the body moves, while also conditioning the body to enhance the mind’s functioning. In Pilates, we practice emotional hygiene by maintaining a calm state of mind and focusing on maximizing the potential of each movement. A skilled and passionate Pilates teacher will guide you to concentrate on proper alignment and the goal of each exercise. Once you begin moving with an understanding of Pilates principles, you’ll feel the infectious delight and renewed energy of having “Pilates in your body.”

Pilates is like a massage for the body through movement. It stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, lubricates the joints and connective tissue, and activates specific pressure points for whole-body health. The uniquely designed apparatuses further enrich this experience, encouraging a deeper sense of vitality and balance.

Benefits

Pilates requires sustained attention and mental focus, enhancing cognitive function.
The controlled breathing and mindful movement techniques in Pilates activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Pilates significantly strengthens the core muscles, improving stability, posture, and balance.
Pilates organizes the alignment of the body as you overcome years of tension, muscular imbalance, and compensatory movement patterns.
Pilates exercises improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing stiffness and increasing joint mobility. It improves articulation of the spine and posture.
Pilates supports healthier joints by distributing force with intention throughout the body—using the right amount of effort for each exercise, balancing contraction and relaxation, and stabilizing the joints through controlled movement. This approach fosters greater mobility over time.
Pilates creates a transformative effect on the body by prioritizing precise movement, which enhances range of motion, overall strength, and stamina. The focus on precision also promotes proper alignment, ensuring each movement is both healthy and protective against injury. Pilates establishes a foundation of controlled, powerful movement that supports resilience and longevity in any physical activity.
Pilates enhances strength, focus, flexibility, and mobility—all of which naturally elevate your confidence, energy and outlook on life. When you are more mobile, flexible, and energized, you can better enjoy socializing and connecting with others. You attain a healthier body to do what the mind desires.
Pilates cultivates a deeper connection between mind and body, fostering a sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

HiStory

“A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.”  
- Joe Pilates

History

Originally named “Contrology”, the term Pilates describes the life’s work of Joseph Pilates and the system of physical conditioning his genius is known for. From a young age, Joseph dedicated himself to studying what the human body needed to move with grace and vigor.  

His method was designed to train the mind to improve the mechanics of the body and, in the process, uplift the spirit. He studied the movements of babies and animals and took detailed note of the aging process and what movements were fundamental to our development in youth that we lost as adults living in the sedentary modern era. He emphasized the importance of proper and full breathing. By combining a practice that focused on stability and strength, full breathing, and focused movement, he created a new way of life for it’s practitioners.

Joseph Pilates trained a variety of clients, from professional boxers to your average Joe’s, from opera singers to Balanchine ballerinas, his method changed lives. One gentleman who was Joe Pilate’s barber shared how Joe helped him significantly through terrible PTSD from combat. Thanks to many Pilates history buffs continuing to research, we are constantly learning more about the fascinating history of Pilates and the man who started it.

A true innovator, Joseph Pilates invented several pieces of equipment that are still used in studios worldwide. The Reformer, with its sliding carriage and resistance springs, is perhaps the most famous. He also designed the versatile Cadillac, the challenging Wunda Chair, and the Spine Corrector, each offering unique ways to challenge the body and enhance movement. These ingenious inventions, combined with his carefully crafted mat exercises, provide a comprehensive system for strengthening, lengthening, and aligning the body while cultivating a deeper mind-body connection.

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
 - Joe Pilates

The apparatus

Our classical Pilates apparatuses are built according to Joseph Pilate’s designs. At Pasche Pilates you will experience authentic apparatuses that are handmade to order with exceptional quality of materials. The high caliber of craftsmanship supports your experience of the finely tuned guidance from your instructor. Pilates manufacturers in our studio: Pilates Designs, Gratz, Pilates Lineage and custom pieces made according to archival specifications by a master craftsman.