Pilates

Pilates is a unique system of exercise specifically designed to strengthen and stretch the body, while improving coordination and control. Regular practice of The Pilates Method can have a dramatic effect on your overall wellbeing by toning, lengthening and strengthening the body and core muscles.

Developed by Joseph Pilates early in the 20th century, the system was originally referred to as “contrology”. What is now commonly know as Pilates consists of specific movements which can be preformed with or without equipment.

When applied properly the Pilates Method can improve flexibility, build strength and develop control and endurance in the whole body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing and developing a strong ‘Powerhouse’. Intensity can be increased over time as the body becomes more conditioned and adapts to the exercises. 

The Pilates Method is suitable for people of all body types and with varying levels of fitness. Whether you are an athlete, dancer, senior, post-natal woman, recovering from injury or just looking to improve your overall fitness level The Pilates Method can be beneficial to you.

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany, in 1883. A sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Joe studied body building and gymnastics and by the age of 14 was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts. In 1914 he moved to England earning a living as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer. During World War I he was interned with other German citizens in a camp near Lancaster where he trained other inmates in fitness and exercises. It was here that the beginnings of the True Pilates Method began to take shape. After the War, Pilates emigrated to the United States. On the ship to America he met his future wife Clara. The couple founded a studio in New York City and directly taught and supervised their students well into the 1960’s. Pilates and his method, which he and Clara called "Contrology", soon established a following in the dance and the performing arts community. From their point of view, "Contrology" is the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Well known dancers George Balanchine and Ruth St. Dennis became devotees and sent their students to them for training. Pilates practiced what he preached and lived a long healthy life. He died in 1967 at the age of 84. Today, Pilates is practiced around the world by athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, as well as the general public.

About Romana's Pilates

Contrology or Pilates may be just words to many people, but at Romana’s Pilates it’s the exercises and philosophies of Joseph and Clara Pilates that we teach, as handed down to their world renowned protégé Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejia-Santo. Through Romana's Pilates you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then, through proper repetition of its exercises, you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your mental and subconscious activities. Romana's Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, play and work. You will develop muscular power with corresponding endurance, ability to perform arduous duties, to play strenuous games, to walk, run or travel for long distances without undue body fatigue or mental strain.