the method us
The Pilates Method
From Joseph Pilates’ original Contrology to how we teach it today — here’s what the method is really about.
What is Pilates?
We use the word constantly. But what does it actually mean?
Pilates is a method of movement. Originally called Contrology, it was designed to teach you control of your body – not just strength.
Strength + control + coordination + mobility + awareness.
The goal isn’t just to perform an exercise. It’s to understand how your body performs it.
Pilates is a system.
Mat. Reformer. Cadillac. Chairs. Barrels. Smaller apparatus.
These aren’t separate workouts — they’re different parts of one method, each reinforcing the same connections in a different way.
What you learn in one place should carry over to the next.
This is why we use Reformer + Cadillac.
The Reformer gives your body one relationship to resistance, support, and movement. The Cadillac gives it another.
If you can’t find a connection on the Reformer, we take you to the Cadillac, where the springs or support make it clearer.
Then we come back to the Reformer and ask: can you keep it now?
That’s Pilates.
Your powerhouse is more than your abs.
Joseph Pilates wasn’t trying to give you a six-pack.
You’ll build strong muscle, yes – but the real purpose is functional strength.
Your center organizes and supports the rest of your body, so your limbs aren’t moving independently or muscling through an exercise on their own.
Everything starts working together.
Pilates makes you aware.
One of my favorite parts of this work is watching someone discover a weak area they didn’t know they had.
You can be incredibly fit and still have places you don’t know how to access, stabilize, or connect.
Pilates exposes those gaps – then gives you the tools to close them.
Pilates is progressive.
The exercises get harder, and when you’re ready, I want you doing the hardest repertoire out there.
But advanced Pilates isn’t random complexity. The harder exercises simply demand more of the same connections you’ve been building from day one.
That’s why the foundational work matters.
And this is where the Reformer gets misunderstood.
A Reformer is a piece of equipment. You can build choreography on it. You can build a great fitness class on it. You can make someone sweat like crazy on it.
None of that makes it Pilates.
Choreography on a Reformer is still just choreography on a Reformer.
Pilates is defined by the method – not the machine underneath you.
So, what is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology because the goal was complete control of the body through the mind:
A uniformly developed body.
A strong and flexible spine.
Balanced muscular development.
Efficient movement without unnecessary tension.
Breath, circulation, and coordination working together.
The apparatus was built to help you develop those things — not to become something you depend on.
The ultimate goal was a body capable of moving freely, efficiently, and with control in everyday life.
That’s Pilates.
Ready to work with us?
New students start with a 3-session private intro. Call or book online.