Who created Pilates and brief history?

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, (1880 – 1967) developing a systematic and purely physical practice focusing mainly on rehabilitation. Some of the first people treated by Pilates were soldiers returning from war. During the latter part of the War, Joseph served as an orderly in a hospital where he worked with patients unable to walk. With his fitness background, a boxer and gymnast, he knew the importance of having a strong fit body. Joseph used the hospital beds they were lying on with the bed springs to help support the patient’s limbs and start exercising their entire bodies. Thus the famous piece of Pilates equipment known as the Reformer bed and the Cadillac were born. To this day, we still use these pieces of equipment!  Joseph set up business at his 5th Avenue Studio in New York, where singers, dancers, athletes were recommended to practice with him, to gain strength and create long lean muscles without the bulk, have control of their breath to perform and recover from an injury. Joseph, was ahead of the times as he always taught mind to body connection with the breath. Physiotherapists started training in the Joseph Pilates style of exercise and realised this form of exercise would benefit every body,  not just dancers and athletes.

What is Pilates, anyway?

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to build strength and stability in your core areas, strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. 

There are different styles of Pilates, Clinical Pilates suited more for rehab from injuries, you work one to one with a Physiotherapist, and may use a variety of the Pilates pieces of equipment. Then there is Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates.

Mat Pilates are taught on a yoga Mat, the exercises are similar to the ones on the Reformer machine – but you use your body weight and could use small props. Pilates Reformer is the Pilates machine which is a sliding platform, foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance. You can do Pilates with or without equipment, but no matter what you can expect some of the moves to involve slow, precise movements and breath control, while other moves are up tempo, increasing cardio output with the breath.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates is a full-body exercise method, it strengthens and stabilises your whole body, which is your foundation, so that you can move efficiently while improving your core, posture, stability, flexibility, and mobility. If you’re looking for functional exercise program, that helps you move better on a day-to-day basis while doing everyday tasks Pilates is the exercise program for you.

Ready to start a Pilates practice? 

I have been certified with STOTT Pilates Reformer and Pilates Institute of Australasia

At my studio I teach Pilates Reformer, but I am also qualified to teach Pilates Mat, which 

I teach on our Rancan Sisters Retreats and Corporate classes. 

In your one to one, I cover all the fundamentals and foundation exercises, this will help you become acquainted with the Pilates Reformer machine.

I get to know your body and you get to know me. I will teach you how to activate and engage specific muscles whilst performing the Pilates exercises. You will be challenged by using your own body weight and springs on the machine for resistance. Building strength, sculpting muscles, endurance, and flexibility.

Expect a Lisa Rancan Style a full-body workout, with my unique sequencing, I make your session informative and fun. You may choose to stay as a one to one client OR when strong enough get ready to join a group class with me.