Who can do Pilates?      Anyone! There is no minimum fitness level and no maximum age. Long used by dancers and athletes to enhance their performance and to keep them injury-free, the Pilates Method is also for those with more elementary needs.      We suggest a minimum age of 8 for mat work, and 14 for the Universal Reformer.
		About the Pilates Method      The Pilates Method was developed over 80 years ago by German-born Joseph Pilates. As a poor and sickly child, he studied everything he could to make himself strong and healthy- Yoga, boxing, gymnastics, even ancient Greek and Roman fitness regimes.      On the boat coming to America in 1923, he met Clara. She not only became his wife, but also was an integral part in the development of new techniques and exercises, and in codifying and organizing them into a flowing series of movements.      Calling his method "Contrology", Pilates was a genius at creating long, lean muscles that were strong, flexible, and under perfect control. He defined Contrology as physical and mental conditioning- "..the mind must be fully engaged in the task of the body to achieve the highest potential."
	About the Equipment      The equipment includes: mats, the Universal Reformer, three types of Barrels, the "Cadillac" or trapeze table, "Wunda-Chair", "ped-a-pull", among others.      Pilates was a tireless inventor of both exercises and the tools to go with them.
		About the Exercises      The movements themselves are generally simple. On the mat and the Universal Reformer there is a series that flows one into the next, warming up the body in a complete and anatomically correct way. The other equipment is used to highlight certain more specific needs a client might have.      The "powerhouse" is the core of the work- a band of muscle strength that encompasses the waist like a belt from the lower ribs to the upper pelvis. All movement flows from here.      The Pilates Method stretches and strengthens alternately, which makes both more efficient and safer.      Balance is another key point- strengthening weak muscles, releasing overworked ones, and keeping all parts of the body in proportion.      Breathing is incorporated into all movements to ensure that enough oxygen flows through the body.
[Home] [The Method] [Teachers] [Rates] [Directions] [Our Clients Say] [Contact Us] [Photo Gallery] Pilates of New Paltz is located in the first floor of the Center for Health and Vitality, 12 North Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY 12561  (845) 255-0559