Movement Arts Center Pilates

Pilates is a method of physical fitness and movement training developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.  Joseph Pilates, a German boxer and performer, designed this system of movements based on yoga postures, calisthenics as well as other movement disciplines in order to improve the rehabilitation of war veterans he cared for during the First World War.  He designed this system to condition the entire body.  He called this system ‘Contrology’ because he believed in the importance of using the mind to control the body. 

Pilates exercises focus on deep, core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which support the spine and organs.  It integrates the awareness of breath and alignment of the spine with flowing movement.

The principles of the pilates system include alignment, centering, control, precision, breath and flow of movement.  Proper alignment provides for efficiency of movement.  Centering allows for the energy of movement to occur from the center, also referred to as the ‘core’ or ‘powerhouse’.  Control of the body enables smooth, efficient mastery of body movements which leads to precision of movement.  Finally, breath is essential to circulating the blood, keeping the body healthy and without stagnation.

At Bodysattva, we stay true to Joseph Pilates’ vision of rehabilitating and optimizing the human body.  We see each person’s body as unique and design programs to promote better strength, flexibility and control in each individual body. Unlike many cookie-cutter gym programs, where all bodies are treated the same, we dedicate our expertise toward personal goals and needs.  Joe’s philosophy of ‘Contrology’ is the basis for our program, as it  perfectly aligns with the mission of Bodysattva, to understand and master our bodies.

For additional information please see: Pilatesmethodalliance.org

Joseph Pilates wrote two books concerning the Pilates method, Return to Life through Contrology (1928) and Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education (1934).

Bodysattva Movement Arts Center offers the following types of Pilates

Bodysattva’s  Pilates Classes are taught by the following gifted individuals