What is Pilates?

The Pilates method was founded in the 20th Century by Joseph Pilates. Today Pilates is widely acclaimed for its broad application for all people, all ages, all fitness abilities and the results it delivers.


Pilates is a low-impact exercise method built around controlled movement, breathing and core strength — accessible to most people regardless of age or fitness level, and easy to adapt as you progress.  During a Pilates workout, you will move through various exercises and patterns requiring concentration, control, and breath work. The flow through the movements is seamless, with each movement designed to cultivate a new level of awareness of the body. The emphasis is on core stability, strength and flexibility, along with control of movement, posture, and breathing through mind and body connection.

 

“Change happens through movement and movement heals.” – Joseph Pilates

What are the benefits of doing Pilates?

Pilates meets every client where they are and grows with them, offering both accessibility and supporting continuous progression.


Pilates isn’t just about your core – it is a full-body workout using multiple muscle groups while focusing on the smaller stabilizing muscles which play a key role in controlled, efficient movement.


Some notable benefits include:

  • Increase core strength
  • Improve balance, flexibility and mobility
  • Promote better posture
  • Reduce pain
  • Reduce stress and anxiety

Introducing Pilates Mat

Mat Pilates is the foundation of the entire Pilates method. It is low impact, safe and effective in order to increase strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

 

Mat work uses bodyweight against gravity, with no external resistance beyond optional small props such as mini balls, foam rollers, resistance bands, magic circles, blocks, and weights. It teaches the fundamental movement principles that underpin every other form of Pilates — neutral spine, breath control, pelvic stability and core engagement. Accessible and portable, mat work remains a sophisticated discipline in its own right, progressing from basic stabilisation through to demanding advanced sequences.

Introducing Pilates Apparatus

Joseph Pilates designed his equipment to provide resistance training while allowing for a full range of motion - each with a distinct purpose within the method. Together they offer a complete system, allowing teachers to target specific needs, adjust resistance and progress or regress exercises with precision. Transform your Pilates practice with a diverse range of apparatus.

  • Reformer

    The Reformer is the most recognised piece of Pilates apparatus. A sliding carriage sits within a rectangular frame and is attached to a spring system that provides adjustable resistance. Handles, straps and a footbar allow exercises to be performed lying, seated, kneeling or standing. It trains the whole body through dynamic, spring-assisted movement, building strength, length and coordination simultaneously. It is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, and its adjustability makes it particularly valuable for injury rehabilitation and progressive conditioning.

  • Tower

    The Tower combines elements of the Reformer and the Cadillac in a format suitable for group classes. Using arm springs, leg springs, a push-through bar and a roll-up bar, the Tower applies external resistance to mat-based exercises and standing work, revealing muscular imbalances and developing balanced strength through multiple planes of movement.

  • Cadillac

    The Cadillac, also known as the Trapeze Table, is the most versatile piece of Pilates apparatus - engineered for stability, adjustability, and safety, it supports exercise and rehabilitation. A raised padded table sits within a four-post metal frame from which springs, bars, a trapeze and straps can be rigged at varying heights. The Cadillac supports the broadest range of exercises in the system — from gentle spinal articulation and decompression through to advanced gymnastic-style movements. Because each limb works independently through its own spring, it is particularly effective for identifying and correcting asymmetries, and for working with clients who need a highly adapted approach, including those recovering from injury.

  • Wunda Chair

    A compact, spring-loaded apparatus consisting of a padded split pedal to increase functionality and allow for exercises that use rotational and reciprocal movement in the extremities. Its minimal surface area demands high levels of balance, core stability and body control. Exercises are performed sitting, standing, kneeling or balancing on or around the chair. Despite its size, it is one of the most challenging pieces of Pilates apparatus precisely because there is nowhere to hide — it quickly reveals and addresses imbalances in stability and coordination. The Chair is also highly practical for functional and standing-based rehabilitation work. Our studio uses an evolution of the Wunda Chair design called the Combo Chair.

  • Ladder Barrel

    The Pilates Ladder Barrel is a spring-free piece of apparatus designed to enhance core strength, flexibility and balance. The rounded surface and connected series of rungs enables deep stretches and challenging exercises to improve posture and effectively targeting muscles in the back, legs, and abdominals. The shape is particularly beneficial for working on spinal mobility and core strength.

  • Spine Corrector

    The Pilates Spine Corrector is designed to improve posture, increase flexibility, and strengthen the core. It facilitates exercises that focus on spinal articulation, targeting the back, abdominals, and hips to promote alignment and reduce tension in the body. As Joseph Pilates famously said, “You are only as young as your spine is flexible.”