Why Pilates is the workout your body has been missing.

If you’re looking for a workout that strengthens your body, improves your posture, and leaves you feeling refreshed instead of exhausted, Pilates might be for you. Developed by Joseph Pilates, this low-impact method has become popular for the lasting results it delivers. Pilates is more than just a trend. It’s a way to improve movement, control, strength, and overall health.

Pilates uses small, controlled movements along with breathwork, core stabilization, and flexibility training. It places a strong focus on the core, often called the body’s powerhouse. When you move with intention and engage the deeper muscles of the core, you build strength from the inside out. A strong core supports better posture, a healthier spine, improved balance, and can help reduce the risk of injury. Pilates classes are designed to work the entire body while also reinforcing proper alignment and increasing flexibility. Instead of focusing on building bulk, Pilates emphasizes strength, control, and muscular endurance, helping you develop a more balanced, toned appearance. 

Pilates has many dynamic forms of practice, the two most popular being mat and reformer. Mat Pilates is the most accessible and can be done on a simple exercise mat. Some classes include small equipment like light dumbbells, ankle weights, rings, resistance bands, or exercise balls. Even without equipment, mat Pilates is a great way to build a strong foundation.

Reformer Pilates is done on a machine called a reformer, which uses a sliding carriage along with springs, straps, and pulleys to create resistance. The resistance can be adjusted, making it appropriate for all fitness levels. Because of this added resistance, reformer classes can help build more strength while still improving control and stability. The workouts are engaging and challenging in a way that feels productive, not overwhelming.

Interested in trying Pilates? Etage is opening a new Pilates studio, Premiere Forme, this summer. The studio will offer both mat and reformer classes for all experience levels. Premiere Forme will follow a contemporary Pilates approach, combining the principles of classical Pilates with modern strength training methods. For additional information, please reach out to Premiereforme@etageathletic.com