The Pilates Method

The Pilates Method is over 75 years old, which surprises many since they have heard of it only in the past few years as its popularity grew. The great choreographer Balanchine asked all his dancers to do Pilates every week to prevent injuries. Today it has become the basis for injury prevention, strength and flexibility with an ever-increasing following.

Pilates prevents injury and enhances movement by balancing strength and flexibility throughout the body. The core of the body—abdomen, lower back, and hips, become a firm central support to all body movement. Increased stability, range of motion and efficiency of the muscles creates more strength and endurance, which makes Pilates an enhancement to any other activity you may enjoy.

Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) developed his method of exercise during WWI while working as a nurse in Europe. He devised a way to help bedridden patients maintain some of their strength while recuperating in the hospital. He continued working out more movement patterns after moving to New York and opening a fitness studio after the war. Romana Kryzanowska worked with him and taught for over 50 years and inherited the studio from him when he died.