All About Pilates

In a way, Pilates equipment today is not much different than that of yesteryear. Spring tension, straps to hold feet or hands, supports for back, neck and shoulder are as important now as they were then. Because of the remarkable nature of the equipment to both challenge and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently, the inimitably designed pieces truly act as a complement to the challenging "matwork" exercises.

"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier."
- Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86

Well, maybe not the whole world, but certainly much of this country, parts of Canada, Europe, and Pan-Asia are experiencing the explosion in demand for Pilates, a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. Widely embraced among dancers for years, the exercises--"elephant," "swan", the language--"pull navel to spine, and breeaaaathe," and the look--bright-eyed, refreshed, buoyant-without-necessarily-sweating, is popping up in fitness classes, physical therapy offices, corporate retreats, luxury spas and wellness centers across the country. Another fad? A cult for the over-privileged? Think again. With the aging of our population and the increasing trend toward mindful, moderate health practices, Pilates is more likely to find itself with a wait list at the YMCA, and in your local public schools--shaping the fitness ideals of our next generation.

Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one's life.

While Joe was the outspoken force behind his method, his wife Clara, a trained nurse, quietly incorporated his concepts and exercises in ways that benefited more seriously ill or injured clients. Her approachable style and special techniques spawned a dedicated lineage of teachers whose work flows through and uniquely colors the landscape of the Pilates method today. It is perhaps because of Clara that Pilates is clearly recognized as a positive form of movement-based exercise that truly can be tailored to any level of not just fitness, but also of health.

First Generation Instructors, who knew Joe, maintain that he and Clara would be very happy and proud of the popularity and growth of Pilates. However, it is less clear how he might feel about the influx of "quickie certifications" available for would-be instructors wanting to be trained in a weekend or two. Joe worked at length with his own instructors, allowing them to assist and then finally teach after sometimes as long as 2 or 3 years of training and apprenticeship. He was quoted as saying, "Remember Rome was not built in a day." and "Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor." While excellent training programs exist in the marketplace today, some are clearly condensed and homogenized, producing less-than-adequately qualified instructors. Prices for classes range from 10$-$20 for group mat sessions, to upwards of $50-$100 for one hour of one-on-one instruction utilizing the full repertoire of Pilates equipment. Comprehensively, competently trained and knowledgeable instructors are the essential element in realizing one's potential, and enjoying the process of learning Pilates.

Mari Winsor began developing her innovative workout nearly 20 years ago and opened her first Pilates studio in 1990 in Los Angeles with techniques based on the groundbreaking workout introduced by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920's. Winsor has brought Pilates to new levels of public recognition through her work with musicians, celebrities and professional athletes.

The long-time professional dancer and teacher now owns and operates two Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area. More than half of Winsor's clients are A-list celebrities making her one of the most sought-after trainer in showbiz.

"Dynamic sequencing." Two words that at first glance may not mean much to some. But to Mari Winsor, her celebrity clients and millions of fans, dynamic sequencing has literally changed their lives. It's a special combination of controlled movements guaranteed to shape and sculpt long, lean muscles in a fraction of the time of other workouts. And it can only be found in Winsor Pilates.
Winsor Pilates is designed to tone and sculpt the entire body to help people like you and me lose weight through a low-intensity, calorie-burning workout. Together with Guthy-Renker, Winsor has helped millions of Americans get the body they want while helping them achieve their exercise results through an exciting, fun and healthy workout.

Winsor began developing her innovative workout nearly 20 years ago and opened her first Pilates studio in 1990 in Los Angeles with techniques based on the groundbreaking workout introduced by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920's. Winsor is responsible for bringing Pilates to new levels of public recognition through her workouts with music icons, celebrities and professional athletes. The long-time professional dancer and teacher now owns and operates two Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area. More than half of Winsor's clients are A-list celebrities making her the most sought-after trainer in all of showbiz. She has trained the likes of celebrities such as Minnie Driver, Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze and Danny Glover among others.
A certified trainer, Winsor is genuinely committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with professional colleagues and the public. A recognized fitness expert, Winsor is co-author of three published books including The Pilates Powerhouse; The Pilates Pregnancy: Maintaining Strength, Flexibility and Your Figure; and The Pilates Workout Journal; An Exercise Diary and Conditioning Guide.