What is Pilates?
Pilates (or, the Pilates Method) is a system of
physical fitness developed in the early twentieth
century by Joseph Pilates, a former World War I nurse who moved to America from Germany in the 1920s. Many people came to Pilates to
help heal an injury, and they ended up transforming
their overall appearance. Pilates liked to call his system
‘Contrology’ because the method is all about controlling the muscles
of the body through the conscious
power
of the mind.
Joseph Pilates was a keen exercise enthusiast who designed and
developed over 500 specific exercises based on his belief that
physical and mental health are complementary and interdependent. His
exercises involve a number of calisthenic motions which teach proper alignment,
body centering, and control which results
in increased flexibility, muscle tone without bulk, strength, energy and body
awareness. As a direct result, greater mental clarity and smoother movements are seen.
Thanks to the specific exercises that work with the abdominal
muscles, Pilates help people to get rid of the ever-persistent lower
back ache. Pilates also helps people suffering from severe arthritis
to reinforce their muscles through proper movement. Sometimes people
who use repetitive gestures wear away a single set of muscles.
Pilates helps to correct the imbalance by targeting and using the
underused muscle groups.
| About Sarah Gross
 
Sarah has studied ballet for 20 years and has been a professional ballet dancer in companies from coast to coast. She began her teaching career with young and adult dancers and has extensive knowledge of the body. She began to take Pilates mat classes during ballet summer programs and could immediately tell the difference a strong core made as far as balance and fluidity in dance. She pursued certification and became Pilates Mat certified in New York with Teri Steele. Next, she received her Pilates Apparatus certifcation from Ellie Herman.
Clients enjoy her energetic, challenging, and encouraging teaching style.
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