On Balance Pilates offers Pilates group mat classes and group equipment classes on the Reformer. Private lessons and duet sessions are available by appointment.

Pilates is not a trend or a fad. They are “functional exercises” that have a foundation that goes back decades to its founder, Joseph H. Pilates. Pilates is a systematic mind-body discipline that requires considerable concentration and movement precision. These qualities are what make Pilates challenging and at the same time mentally invigorating. The goal of contemporary Pilates is to develop a body that operates effectively and efficiently in sport performance and activities of daily living.

Pilates emphasizes the importance of controlled breathing and involves three-dimensional movement – either on a mat or using resistance equipment – to improve core stability while at the same time increasing the strength and flexibility of the rest of the body. The Pilates exercise repertoire consists of more than 500 different mat and equipment based exercises, allowing the development of simple introductory programs as well as more complex and challenging workouts. It is this versatility that makes Pilates so attractive to a wide variety of people – everyone from elite athletes to aging adults.

The key principle of Pilates exercise is to stabilize before you mobilize. When taught effectively, the key benefits of doing Pilates’ exercises is to accomplish all of the following:

  • Enhancement of core (trunk) strength and stability
  • Reduced aggravation to the joints
  • Improvement of posture and alignment
  • Increased flexibility, range of motion about a joint
  • Improvement of muscular balance, strength, tone, and endurance
  • Prevention of injury
  • Enhancement of athletic performance
  • Reduction of stress and low back pain
  • Improvement of balance and coordination
  • Heightened body awareness

Regular practice of Pilates will balance your body, build strong lean muscles, and improve your posture, concentration, flexibility, efficiency of movement, and mobility. Pilates is also used for injury prevention and rehabilitation, as well as a treatment for such afflictions as arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Expect to feel taller, lighter, and revitalized after each Pilates workout.