Originally called Contrology & only named Pilates after his death the Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates in the late 1880’s in Germany. Joseph was a frail and unhealthy child, but through his study of anatomy & movement he managed to cure himself of his ailments by developing a specialized technique of muscle control and movement to increase circulation and cardiovascular strength and to rid the body of toxins & by ages 14; now a healthy specimen; he was competing as an athlete in a number of sporting disciplines. Joseph moved to England to pursue professional boxing just before World War 1 broke out & being a native German was put into an Internment Camp in 1918. In the work camp he helped fellow inmates with his exercise techniques, modifying beds using springs, pulleys & straps & thus this was the humble beginnings of the Pilates reformer we know today. Interestingly the inmates who were following his exercise regime were the only ones to survive an epidemic of influenza within the camp. In the mid 1920’s Joseph Pilates moved to New York City & opened his first Pilates Studio in 1926 on 8th Avenue.
Pilates is a unique combination of stretching and strengthening, conditioning the body, yet you are not left tired and sore. A mind-body exercise method; Pilates makes one focus inwards, feeling our muscles and breath whilst skillfully developing them. Pilates can be enjoyed by all as a low impact workout enhancing physical strength, flexibility, balance and mental well-being. Originally intended for rehabilitation, it has evolved into a widely practiced fitness regime.
Classical Pilates today is strictly based on the original movements designed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates.
Contemporary Pilates has evolved from Classical Pilates.
We practice Contemporary Pilates. Its creation has been heavily influenced by physical therapy to add modifications & variations to exercises, because, with time, modern scientific research has developed and more has been learnt about the Pilates movements and their effect on the body. Our Feel Good Studio Stott Pilates V2 max Reformers were developed & approved for medical use throughout Europe.
Stott Pilates with Susie can be performed on our new V2 Max Reformers with Vertical Frames, on the Mat, on our Split pedal Stability Chairs, or on our Stability Balls according to your needs.
Susie will guide you through controlled movements to target specific muscle groups with precision and breath work, aiming to create a balanced body, a strong core, improved posture, enhanced stability & support from injury recovery.
Athletes may incorporate Pilates to boost performance by enhancing coordination, agility, strength and flexibility to reduce risk of injury.
Pilates creates a connection between mind and body, promoting mindfulness and mental clarity.
Susie will examine your posture & work to correct by strengthening & stretching muscles responsible for proper alignment and focusing on controlled movements to improve balance and stability.
Regular Pilates exercise under her guidance will enhance muscular endurance and flexibility, contributing to your overall physical fitness and targeting and improving the strength of your core muscles including abdominals, back extensors and pelvic floor.
History of Shapemaster Powertone Pilates
Toning tables began back in the 1930’s when Bernard H Stauffer began to work on a technique he called Induced Rhythmic Motion (IRM). Originally devised to help Polio sufferers maintain muscle mass lost through inactivity, it was soon recognised muscle mass improved along with better circulation, improved strength & agility.
Today as our understanding of the human body has developed so then must our approach to exercise. Both Stott Pilates Reformers & equipment & Shapemaster Pilates Toning Tables have worked closely with doctors & physiotherapists to ensure we have a range of equipment biomechanically matched to our bodies requirements. Thus providing the best all round balanced workout to achieve core strength & improved posture available today.
Shapemaster are recognised as the best manufacturer of Power Assisted Exercise machines. Ever since the introduction of their innovative range of toning tables in the late 1980’s their pioneering spirit has led them to rediscover and refine an alternative way to exercise than the high impact, percussive and all too joint stressing routines that are found in the traditional gym environment. Shapemaster Toning Beds control the speed and movement isolating the muscles for perfect and safe training, keeping your spine in perfect alignment. Besides continuing with research and development programs in major University’s in the U.K. Each and every machine that Shapemaster produce is hand built to exacting standards and is exported today to every corner of the globe. Shapemaster’s vision to allow everybody the opportunity to exercise has led to some unique engineering solutions. Exercise solutions have been devised and supplied to individuals who have suffered spinal and nerve injuries at brain and spinal injury clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centres, Multiple Sclerosis centres, Senior Care Homes, Physiotherapists and rehabilitations hospitals and Feel Good Studios around the world. Our Powertone Pilates method has attracted young mothers, executives and health conscious people alike, as well as for rehabilitation and injured sports people, plus encouraging clients who wish to achieve weight loss and pain relief and for all ages who wish to stretch and relax as they improve balance, posture, tone and mobility whilst reducing stress.
