about

Pilates is the surname of the creator of this method of exercise.

Joseph H. Pilates was born December 9, 1883, in Mönchengladbach, Germany. His father, Heinrich Friedrich Pilates, was a metal worker and enthusiastic gymnast, and his mother was a housewife.

Pilates was a sickly child. He suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, and he dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength. He was introduced by his father to gymnastics and body-building, and to martial arts like jiu-jitsu and boxing. By the age of 14, he was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts. Pilates came to believe that the “modern” life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health. He ultimately devised a series of exercises and training techniques, and engineered all the equipment, specifications, and tuning required to teach his methods properly.

Today, this epic method of exercise is known simply as…Pilates.

In it’s most basic form, Pilates is low impact resistance training which increases muscle mass and density. However, the deeper muscles which surround the joints and abdomen is the focus, initially addressing skeletal balance and alignment.  to help build core strength and increase joint, skeletal, core and full body stability. The benefits include increased body awareness, deep strength, pain reduction, injury prevention, increased tone throughout the body and increased flexibility.

In the more advanced levels, full body work is performed constantly and with grace in order to contintue to tone and deepen overall strength. It is both gentle on the joints, and challenging at every level from special needs, to seniors, to weekend warriors, to elite athletes. 

Modern Pilates has two main groups, Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates.

Classical Pilates abides as closely as possible to Joseph Pilates’ original work, meaning his original exercises and the order in which they were performed. There are slight variations according to different sources, known as Pilates Disciples, as to what the exact order or the exact way that certain exercises were intended to be performed, and so there is contention about whose version is the “real” or the classical version. Another key feature of classical Pilates is the position of the pelvis in the mat work. Classical Pilates will generally teach abdominal exercises in a “posterior tilt” meaning that, when laying on one’s back the lower spine is completely pressed into the floor, creating a tuck in the pelvis.

Contemporary Pilates is based on the work of Joseph Pilates but modern research has updated the method by adjusting the exercises to fit with today’s lifestyle, and has a heavy influence from physical therapy and bio-mechanics. Many exercises remain the same, but a whole new collection of exercises have been added, or variations have been added allowing for injury rehabilitation and creativity by the instructor. Contemporary Pilates will generally teach exercises in a “neutral pelvis” or the position one’s spine is in when standing upright in a healthy posture.

Our professional instructors are trained through various certification programs and bring you a unique experience melding these two methods.

Pilates primarily focuses on developing core strength and lengthening the spine, making it an effective practice for enhancing strength, definition, and posture. In contrast, yoga emphasizes balancing the body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall well-being. Often considered more therapeutic than Pilates, yoga helps individuals achieve harmony and reduce stress. With various styles, yoga is typically practiced in group settings on mats under the guidance of an instructor. Reformer and apparatus Pilates, on the other hand, includes mat work and utilizes specialized equipment to further challenge the body or provide modifications, allowing instructors to tailor the practice for improving strength, flexibility, and overall mobility.

Yes, Pilates Reformer and apparatus can help with weight loss, but it’s important to combine them with a healthy diet and overall fitness routine for the best results. While Pilates primarily focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and improving posture, it also engages multiple muscle groups in a way that can increase your heart rate and boost calorie burn, especially when you incorporate more dynamic movements.

Reformer and apparatus Pilates, in particular, can provide resistance training, which is beneficial for building muscle. Increased muscle mass can help improve metabolism, supporting weight loss over time. However, the intensity of the workout may not be as high as other cardio-focused exercises, so for maximum weight loss, consider pairing Pilates with cardiovascular exercise (like walking, running, or cycling) and mindful eating habits.

No, you don’t have to be in perfect shape to start Pilates on the Reformer! Pilates is highly adaptable and can be modified to suit people of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The Reformer machine itself allows for adjustments in resistance and intensity, which means an instructor can tailor the exercises to match your current abilities.

If you’re new to Pilates or returning after a break, your instructor can guide you through exercises that focus on building foundational strength, flexibility, and proper form. As you progress, you can gradually increase the challenge to meet your personal goals.

It’s always a good idea to let your instructor know if you’re a beginner or if you have any specific concerns (like injuries or limitations), so they can modify the session to make sure you’re comfortable and safe while still getting the benefits of the workout.

There are various key differences between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates mainly, Mat Pilates is performed on the floor using just a mat (and occasionally small props like resistance bands, weights, or a ball), and relies primarily on your own body weight for resistance.  The Reformer is a machine that uses a sliding platform, springs, and ropes to create resistance. The adjustable resistance can make exercises either more challenging or more supportive, depending on your needs.  

Both are fantastic workouts and compliment each other. Mat is challenging because you are on your own and have to control and challenge your body with just that, your body and mind. Reformer is a great workout because you have the machine to support you and also the added weight with springs to focus work on specific areas of your body and challenge it. People like them for different reasons and it is a personal choice. Doing both is the traditional way of practicing Pilates.

It is a consultation with a Private Pilates Instructor and also a workout. During the session the instructor will assess your specific body needs and personal goals and begin to teach you the fundamentals of Pilates. Because it is new, you will be working slowly and it is a great challenge. You’re going to love it and your instructor will recommend what the next steps for you are, such as more privates, mat classes or group reformer, etc.

All our teachers are highly qualified Pilates instructors and have been teaching different lengths of time. We only hire the best! Each teacher has a distinct style and personality.  Our EpicTeam of Instructors work together aim to step-in for eachother when fellow instructors are away. This allows clients to keep up with their Pilates practice and by periodically being exposed to a variety of teaching styles, it also elevates the Pilates learning experience and builds our community. 

The ideal practice of Pilates is 3 times per week. However, you need to take into consideration – time, finances, stress level and burning out. We suggest starting with one session (100% more than you are doing now!) and adding more sessions when you can. You can also try a Mat or Group Reformer class, providing you are approved to do so. You will see results quickly if you do more sessions each week.

Prior group class experience on the Pilates Reformer is a requirement.  Please contact the studio prior to signing up for a class to share that experience with us.  

• Beginner (for both Group Reformer & Mat) will move a bit slower and take the time to explain exercises so each client knows how to execute the movement in a safe manner. Clients are challenged by working on the fundamental exercises in Pilates in a deep and connected manner. The deliberate pace of a Beginner Reformer class also allows for transitions between exercises so clients learn how to maneuver the springs, straps and elements of the Reformer.
• Intermediate class is tailored to the more experienced student. Students will continue to work on Beginner exercises while more advanced exercises will be introduced and integrated. Students are expected to know Reformer transitions and Beginner exercises and are challenged by a class that flows.
• Advanced classes will challenge the client with flow, focus, concentration, control and stamina. This class will move at an accelerated pace. The client must be injury free and able to do Intermediate exercises.

If you are new to Pilates and have never used the Reformer before, we require that you take private sessions for safety reasons and to build the proper foundation.  Once you are cleared for groups we suggest you start with a Beginner level. There is lot to learn and you will get the most out of your Pilates if you learn it the correct way!

Epic Pilates Studio’s teachers come from a variety of approved Teacher Training Programs.  We offer both classical and contemporary instruction.

24 hours allows the studio and teacher to book client’s that are on our waitlist and fill that void. We know that unforeseen emergencies come up.  Please see our purchase and cancellation policies section for details.

“10 sessions- Feel the difference. 20 sessions- See the difference. 30 sessions- Have a new body!” -Joseph Pilates   

In less than one month you will feel and hopefully even visually see a difference. Everyone responds differently but wonderful changes will happen if you commit to doing Pilates every week!

Everything you do in Pilates is supported from the core (transverse abdominals, pelvic floor, spinal muscles and diaphragm make up the core). Pilates also focuses on breath, balance, flexibility, coordination, control, stamina, toning, posture and overall health.

Depending on what type of surgery. We do require a medical release from your doctor. Once you have received clearance, an instructor will then be able to work with you to begin strengthening and getting you back to your best self!

If you have already been practicing Pilates in a group setting and you are having a normal healthy pregnancy, you should be able to continue group classes through part of your third tri-mester.   Your body is going through many changes and adjustments will have to be made that may require you to stop group classes and resume with Private sessions.  Every person and pregnancy is different so please always consult with your obstetrician and communicate any changes to your instructor immediately so we can accommodate you.

Classical Pilates abides as closely as possible to Joseph Pilates’ original work, meaning his original exercises and the order in which they were performed. There are slight variations according to different sources, known as Pilates Disciples, as to what the exact order or the exact way that certain exercises were intended to be performed, and so there is contention about whose version is the “real” or the classical version. Another key feature of classical Pilates is the position of the pelvis in the mat work. Classical Pilates will generally teach abdominal exercises in a “posterior tilt” meaning that, when laying on one’s back the lower spine is completely pressed into the floor, creating a tuck in the pelvis.

Contemporary Pilates is based on the work of Joseph Pilates but has been updated by adjusting the exercises to fit with today’s lifestyle, modern research, and has a heavy influence from physical therapy and bio-mechanics. Many exercises remain the same, but a whole new collection of exercises have been added, or variations have been added allowing for injury rehabilitation and creativity by the instructor. Contemporary Pilates will generally teach exercises in a “neutral pelvis” or the position one’s spine is in when standing upright in a healthy posture.

Our professional instructors are trained through various certification programs and bring you a unique experience melding these two methods.