Pilates Works ®. We are specialists in the training Methodology of Joseph Pilates and Strength Training.

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and was not a strong child. He did however strive to improve his physical strength from an early age.

In 1912 he left Germany for England to train as a boxer. In England during the first World War he was interned and sent to the Isle of Man to work as a nurse. It was here that his experimentation with the springs in hospital beds led him to the development of the "Universal Reformer". By applying movement and resistance to the muscles, he facilitated in the speedier recovery of injured soldiers.

From there he emigrated to the United States where he founded a revolutionary fitness regime in New York City, which still bears his name.
He died in New York City in 1967, but his wonderful technique lives on.

This involves a system of Movement therapy based on a profound understanding of the human body.
Please click on images for a larger version

He was a man ahead of his time - developing deep Torso strength and flexibility. The essence of his exercises was proper breathing and control over the body with the main focus being on the abdominal muscles thereby connecting to what is called the "CORE" abdominals and improving posture: reducing the risk of injury for dancers, skaters, athletes and people with wanted awareness of their bodies. This consists of over 500 movements, each being done for a limited time, therefore eliminating boredom and mindless repetition. Also, as Joseph Pilates himself said, there is no need to do more than 3 sessions in a week over a period of time to see a difference

Breath, concentration, control centreness, fluidity of movement and increasing lengthening and flexibility, which is achieved by this neuromuscular technique, and is synergizing together for optimal physical and mental well-being. Posture and muscle tone is improved by the strengthening of abdominal muscles along with the spine, to result in looking good and feeling great in every stream of life or profession.
Pilates is validated by many professional dancers, two of the most well known being Martha Graham and George Balanchine.
Mrs. Markus has extensive training and personal experience with the Pilates regime.
While dancing with the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, she incorporated Pilates into her daily routine. It has been a part of her life ever since, and this, she is convinced, has aided her in remaining injury free during her dancing and teaching career.
We teach on a private basis by appointment with a 2 month package being available.
The premises are designed in a relaxing atmosphere wth skylights in the studio area, fully air-conditioned with two large dressing rooms and a pleasant waiting room
Public parking is available within steps of the studio..

Testimonial letter from Reg. Physiotherapist Gordon Lowe (reg. PT, BScPT, Hons. BSCKinesiology),416-536-9206

Physiotherapists as movement specialist are concerned with the quality, ease and range of movement provided by the body's joints and muscles. The ability of an individual to produce movement depends upon the proper body alignment of joints, and the functioning of specific musculature to produce those movements. Poor technique or alignment on a repetitive basis inevitably results in injury. Physiotherapy has placed great emphasis on stabilization of the joints and proper muscle balance, especially the pelvis and shoulder through manual therapy techniques, exercise and muscle re-education to encourage proper movement and reduce the risk of injury.
Dancers, "specialists in the use of the body as an instrument for interpretation" are also concerned with the ability to produce movement. The repetitive nature and the stress placed on the body by the dancer increases the risk of injury. Therefore proper body alignment and muscle strength and balance are imperative to the longevity of a dancer's career.

PILATES, originally developed for dancers, improves muscle function and alignment and incorporates the necessary elements to stabilize joints in order to develop or improve body movement, reduce the risk of injury and promote career longevity.

Therefore, the incorporation of Physiotherapy and Pilates in a program of development of rehabilitation can enhance and optimize the outcome.

Please feel free to Contact Us about class times and with any other questions you may have.

Pilates Works ® is now pleased to announce the launch of Pilates Works ® Equipment.

To see a working demonstration please choose either of these links: Single Use :: Double Use (please note that these demonstrations are not Real Time).
To view these you will need minimum Macromedia Shockwave 5. For a free download please click here.

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