Who was Pilates?
In the 1920's, Joseph Pilates, the German movement pioneer has arrived to New York, where he set up his renowned gym. His revolutionary exercises were inspired by the movement disciplines he had studied, including yoga and martial arts. Despite facing chronic health problems as a child, with his movement practise Joe not only overcame these limitations but also became an ATHLETE, a TEACHER, and an INVENTOR. He designed several pieces of apparatus including the most popular one the Reformer to enhance the application of his original Matwork exercises. His method gained huge popularity among dancers and performers, now hundred years after his arrival to NY Pilates is more popular than ever worldwide also backed by the medical community for its immense health and fitness benefits.
“Pilates (is)... stretch with strength and control, and the control part is the most important, because that's what makes you use your mind!”
Romana Kryzanowska
Athletic form
Injury prevention
Post rehabilitation
Exercise for the mind and body, how does it work?
The Intention is: reversing the adverse effects of modern life, alleviating pain caused by poor posture, wrong movement habits and muscular imbalances. Developing mind CONTROL over the muscles, even the "smaller" ones, especially in the trunk and CORE, is more sustainable and healthy than training superficial muscles to fatigue absent-mindedly. The exercises are not overly repetitive, some are accessible even if you are in poor shape and health, while others are complex and challenge even the most well coordinated athletes. They teach GOOD FORM, FOCUS and develop EQUAL STRENGTH and FLEXIBILITY throughout the entire body, creating a BALANCED POSTURE .
What is Matwork Pilates?
The Matwork is performed using only your body weight as resistance. It gives you full AUTONOMY over your workouts, as you have the freedom to practise anywhere and anytime. I teach these wonderful exercises to my private clients to empower them with CONFIDENCE to take care of themselves and not rely solely on our sessions together. I also teach weekly group classes for beginners as well as advanced levels in Highgate at Jacksons Lane. Please note that these classes are not suitable for major injuries.
What is the equipment for?
The Pilates apparatus including the Reformer and the Cadillac have helped millions to better rehabilitate and strengthen their bodies.
Pilates sought ways to enhance the effects of his Matwork exercises. With the assistance of SPRINGS to provide resistance, you can develop precise muscle control which is crucial for both INJURY Prevention and Rehabilitation. They enable you to TARGET SPECIFIC MUSCLES, strengthen underused areas, and keep you SUPPORTed in the spine and the joints when injury or weakness is present. It's like having a second teacher in the room, offering you constant FEEDBACK directly to your body. Unlike regular gym equipment these tools promote correct breathing, good alignment, precision, coordination, balance and control. My studio benefits of all major Pilates apparatus including the Reformer which offers both REMEDIAL and ATHLETIC benefits for the body.
What is Classical Pilates?
The classical method adheres closely to Joe Pilates's original exercises and their sequence. In my experience it fosters more NATURAL MOVEMENT, and FULL BODY and MIND INTEGRATION than other methods and helped me get better results with my clients so this is what I predominantly teach. The classical approach can be very athletic, so I trained extensively to be able to safely teach you building the appropriate strength for the more advanced exercises. I also have training in more remedial pre Pilates exercises to provide a safe healing space for those who are recovering from more serious injuries and surgeries.
Mind & body