What is Pilates
'Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.'
— Joseph Hubertus Pilates
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883–1967) was a visionary, far ahead of his time. He devoted his life to developing his movement method, which he called Contrology. He believed that people needed to move better and sit less, and he was determined to make his method accessible to as many people as possible.
As part of his work, he designed a range of innovative equipment. The most well-known of these is the Reformer, which today is often used as a standalone training tool.
Some of the key principles of the Pilates Method include:
- Movement that is controlled, precise, and performed with joy and flow
- Mindful exercise, with a strong focus on buoyant, coördinated breathing
- Supporting both physical fitness and inner balance
- A structured progression — from building foundational understanding to advancing toward more challenging exercises
- Encouraging ease and efficiency of movement, both inside and outside the studio
At Leila’s Pilates, all teachers have a strong foundation in the method. While remaining creative and responsive to each client’s individual needs, the teaching is firmly rooted in the original principles of Pilates.