What is Pilates (with Joe and Romana)

a brief clip of Joe and Romana demonstrating Pilates and Pilates instruction.

What is Pilates?

A lot of people ask me, what is Pilates? put simply, Pilates is exercise. To be more exact, Pilates is an exercise method that is executed on various pieces of specially designed resistance equipment where the exercises are done with stretch, strength, and control at all times. The main goal of Pilates is to build strength in the stomach and back which make up the core of the body. The method is made up of over 500 exercises and can be executed by everyone regardless of their level of flexibility, strength, injury, or limitation.

Pilates was first created by Joe and Clara Pilates in NYC. The method was developed for boxers and opera singers and the first ever Pilates studio was built near Madison Square Garden for that reason. Pilates was first  made famous among dancers when famous Choreographers George Balanchine and Ted Shaw discovered the Pilates method and began sending their dancers to Joe and Clara’s studio.

Today Pilates continues to be made famous by many celebrities, movie stars, athletes, and royalty who claim that their body was made by Pilates. But don’t be fooled, Pilates is not just for the elite, it has benefits  for everybody. A few of these benefits include the elimination of  back pain, increased coordination, and a strengthened connection between the mind and body.

No one is immune to Pilates. When practiced regularly Pilates will help you discover the strength that lies within.