This is a question many clients ask within their first two Pilates sessions. And it makes sense.

Pilates feels good—but more than that, there is often an aha moment. The principles of Pilates apply to anyone with a body. Regardless of what you do (or don’t do) with your body day to day, you are always better off following some—if not all—of these principles.

The first, and arguably most important, is breathing.

The Pilates Method teaches us how to use our bodies more intelligently: to reduce or eliminate pain, to rehabilitate, to increase range of motion, and ultimately to move through life with greater ease and awareness.

“Minimum effort, maximum results.”
— Joseph Pilates

Many Pilates exercises are performed on the mat and may look familiar—similar to movements we once did in physical education classes. The difference lies not in what you do, but in how you do it.

This is where a skilled teacher becomes essential.

A few repetitions performed correctly are incomparably more valuable than hundreds performed incorrectly. Precision matters. Awareness matters.

In addition to mat work, the Pilates method includes apparatus such as the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Spine Corrector and more. These pieces of equipment are designed to support, challenge, and refine movement. The same rule applies here: guidance from a knowledgeable teacher is key.

Joseph Pilates was an exceptionally aware and forward-thinking man. His teaching style was confident, direct, and uncompromising. This is still evident in the archival footage available today.

For those wishing to deepen their understanding, we recommend starting with “Pilate’s Return to Life Through Contrology”, written by Joseph Pilates in 1934. Despite its age, the book remains remarkably relevant; it offers timeless reminders and a guide for a healthier life.

Our gratitude and admiration go to Joseph Pilates—
a man whose work continues to improve how we move, breathe, and live.