The Pilates method was founded in the early 20th Century by Joseph Pilates. It is perhaps one of the most successful physical conditioning and rehabilitative systems in the world. This is due to its innovative and unique nature in which the exercises are specifically designed so as to increase strength, flexibility and endurance without risking injury or building any excess bulk. As a result, one's body can be dramatically transformed in various ways such as how it looks, feels and performs.

"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body."Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. Pilates was a sickly child, specifically suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, therefore in order to improve his health, he turned his interest in physical training including diving, skiing, boxing and body-building.

During the First World War, Pilates worked as a nurse in an internment camp. While imprisoned, he provided exercises for the injured in order to improve their recovery. By ulitizing spring from the hospital beds, he created a resistance training which improved the flexibility and strength of the injured. Moreover in 1926, Pilates migrated to New York where together with his wife Clara, opened their first exercise studio next door to New York City Ballet. As a result, Pilates method became quickly popular with the dance society, where ballet dancers where visiting the studio for healing their injuries together with increasing their flexibilities. Back then, Pilates method was mostly treated as a physiotherapy session.

In 1967, Joseph Pilates passed away due to smoke inhalation. However, his Method of Contrology (Pilates Method) did not fade away. Instead, the physical industry owes a lot to Joseph Pilates, and one can admit that his method was years ahead of its time. For most, Pilates is a way of life, and it is unbelievable how popular the method is across the world.

In our studio we offer the STOTT PILATES method. Although based upon the original work of Joseph Pilates, at the same time, STOTT PILATES repertoire incorporates modern knowledge and contemporary thinking in regards with the body. For example, spinal problems are dealt with a fresher approach, and athletes are faced with a more rigorous repertoire so as to improve their performance.

STOTT PILATES principles include:

• Breathing

• Pelvic Placement

• Rib Cage Placement

• Scapular Movement and Stabilization

• Head and Cervical Placement

While the Pilates method specifically focuses on strengthening the deep core muscles, at the same time it teaches good posture, breathing, flexibility, joint mobility and balance. It can also help alleviate back, neck and shoulder blade pains.

It is a safe, mind-body system in which the exercises are performed on a mat, utilizing various props such as mini-balls, fitness circles, elastic bands, fitness balls and dumbbells, or, on specifically designed equipment.

For many, Pilates is not just a set of physical exercises, it is a WAY of life. Pilates is designed for everyone, young, old, athletic and rehab patients. The method is designed in such a way so as to include a variety of populations. It includes:

• those who wish to improve their strength and flexibility without building bulk
• those who wish to improve postural imbalances (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis)
• pregnant and post-pregnant women
• those who recently had a surgery and wish to get their bodies back to normal
• those who have severe back pains
• those who are already involved with any other sort or physical activity and wish to complement their training with Pilates.

TRY IT!

Our studio offers matwork classes based on STOTT PILATES method. The classes can be either in:

• group sessions (up to 6 people) – for those who wish to improve their strength and flexibility without building bulk. These are achieved by using fitness circles, dumbbells, elastic bands, mini-balls, fitness balls etc.

• private sessions (one-on-one training) – a class specifically designed upon the needs of the client. Usually it is targeted for those who have back and neck pains, postural imbalances or just had a surgery and wish to restore their body's performance as soon as possible.

• semi-private sessions (2 or 3 people) – for those who have the same needs and goals and wish to have a more personalised programme.

For any other inquiry please do not hesitate to contact us.

1. I have not done Pilates before. What is your advice? 
If you wish to join our group sessions, we recommend taking few private classes first. This will allow you to comprehend and focus on the foundations of Pilates as well as developing a more solid understanding on how to perform the exercises correctly. At the same time it is a good opportunity to allow your instructor to examine your body alignment and identify any postural issues so that she can give you proper exercise modifications. Having done that, the client can get greater benefits when joining the group.

2. What kind of results can I expect? How soon? 
One can expect increased flexibility, strength, endurance, mobility, defined and tones muscles as well as an improved posture. Similarly, back, neck and any other type of muscular pains can be alleviated. Each individual varies on how soon the results might occur on their bodies. What we strongly recommend though is to be consistent if you wish to see results soon.

3. How often should I do Pilates? 
The ideal is two to three times per week. However, if one wishes to attend classes only once a week due to heavy schedule, he/she can still gain the benefits of the programme.

4. I suffer from back pains. Can I still do Pilates? 
We first advice you to consult your physician before joining classes. However, Pilates exercises are primarily designed in such a way so as to strengthen your core and back muscles, therefore gaining a greater support in the spine. As a result, this alleviates any back and postural pains. At the same time Pilates exercises require calmness, control and focus so there is no any prospect of injury. Consequently, Pilates is a safe method and it is used for rehab patients.

5. Can I combine Pilates with any other workout? 
Pilates is perhaps the greatest exercise workout to combine with any other physical activity. Strengthening the deep abdominal muscles together with the back muscles, helps in preventing injury, makes the participants more agile and increases stamina and endurance. We recommend that Pilates can be a great complement with any cardiovascular exercise and weight training programmes.

6. What are your school's policies? 

• In the case of a private session, cancellations must be informed 24 hours in advance to avoid charging. Classes should be paid in advance.
• In the case of a group session, cancellation must be informed 24 hours in advance due to limited number of space. Classes should be paid at the beginning of each month.