True Pilates develops the body, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. 

Joseph Pilates teaching a client in 1961.*

 What is Pilates?

 Pilates is best described in Joseph Pilates' own words.  In his remarkable and ahead of it's time 1934 book, "Return to Life", he describes Pilates as, 

"complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.  Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.  You will develop muscular power with corresponding endurance, ability to perform arduous duties, to play strenuous games, to walk, to run or travel long distances without undue body fatigue or mental strain.  And this by no means is the end".

Pilates is a series of precise exercises performed on specifically designed apparatus that strengthen and stretch the body as well as provide an aerobic workout.  The focus of Pilates is strengthening the upper and lower abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks called the "Powerhouse".  A strong "Powerhouse" stabilizes the torso, and allows the arms and legs to move more freely, increasing strength and flexibility.

The benefits of Pilates include:

• increased flexibility
• strengthened and toned muscles
• improved posture
• increased lung capacity
• uniformly developed muscles
• improved range of motion
• improved body awareness
• increased energy
• a more balanced body preventing muscle and soft tissue injury

A Brief History of Pilates

During World War One, Joseph Pilates worked as a nurse in an internment camp.  Sick of watching the wounded wither away in their hospital beds, Pilates developed a system of exercises that allowed the bed-ridden to strengthen their bodies while recuperating from their injuries.  Using what was available in the hospital, springs from beds and other equipment, Pilates designed apparatus that provided a challenging workout for the wounded soldiers. From this experience, he developed an innovative exercise regimen called the “Art of Contrology”, now know as True Pilates.  After WWI, Joseph Pilates moved to New York City where he opened his first gym. His method of conditioning immediately drew the attention of famous dancers, professional athletes and the general public. 

Joseph Pilates’ trusted protege, Romana Kryzanowska, trained and taught with Joseph Pilates for 30 years. He entrusted Romana to carry on his legacy.  Six decades later, Romana remains dedicated to teaching the True Pilates method as created by Joseph Pilates.  She runs an elite international teacher training program that requires over 700 hours of apprenticing, testing and training before awarding certification.  All Romana's Pilates instructors are handpicked, guided and directly mentored by Romana Kryzanowska.  Her instructor training program produces the highest quality instructors in the industry who are dedicated to teaching Pilates the way Joseph Pilates intended.

In November 2000, ‘Pilates’ was deemed a generic term by the courts. This means anyone can call what they teach ‘Pilates’ regardless of whether they uphold the principles and standards of Joseph Pilates’ system.  AnyBody Pilates is committed to upholding the true method taught only by professionally trained and certified instructors affiliated with Romana's Pilates. 

With all the hype surrounding Pilates today, it can be confusing trying to locate a reputable source.  Many people have jumped on the bandwagon, with various degrees of training that range from weekend certification courses to just a few months.  Although some may be talented instructors, many teach exercises that are based on the concepts and ideas of Joseph Pilates, and then combine other techniques or methods of exercise.  These changes fundamentally alter the nature of the exercises.  They may resemble True Pilates, but are really something very different.  As a client, you put your body on the line.  It's important to know the extent of your instructor's training.  Don't be shy to ask a studio about the qualifications of their instructors