Explore Pilates Insights for an Active, Balanced Life

In this series introducing you to the Pilates apparatuses, we have made our way through most of the big ones: the reformer, tower, chairs, and mat. But did you know there are smaller apparatuses, too? The Pilates spine corrector is one of them, and one most of my clients love.  This apparatus is a half-barrel […]

The Wunda Chair is the most commonly known chair apparatus that Joseph Pilates designed. It’s the one that I have in my studio but there are two others: the High Chair and the Armchair, both of which are on my wish list. Joseph Pilates thought the Chair would be the perfect apparatus for everyone to […]

To continue the apparatus blog series, it’s time to talk about the Pilates reformer. (Read about the mat and the tower in previous posts.) More people are learning about this “machine” called the reformer, but it isn’t a new apparatus by any means. Joseph H. Pilates invented and designed the reformer, and got a patent […]

Each week I’ve been sharing information about an apparatus in the Pilates studio. Last week it was the Pilates mat (or mats – since you can use either a yoga mat or an upholstered Pilates mat). I want to talk about mat Pilates just a little bit more before we move on to another apparatus […]

Next up in helping you get to know the Pilates apparatuses is the mat! Pilates mat work can most definitely be done on a yoga mat and often is, when you’re doing a Pilates class in an open space like a yoga studio, gym, hall, outdoor space, or conference centre. You may find that a […]

The Pilates Tower is a favourite of many clients, but one that isn’t as well known as, say, the reformer. I have people asking all the time if b.Pilates & Fitness has reformers. The answer is yes, we do have reformers in the studio… but we also have a whole lot of other equipment – […]

If you’ve so much as mentioned “Pilates” near your computer or phone, I’m sure you’re seeing ads for “Wall Pilates”. As an instructor, I’ve probably been asked at least once a week if I’ve seen the ads. I’ve only sort of clicked through the ads, so I can’t comment on their version of how to […]

Everyone has their own personal favourite exercises they could do every workout, while there are others they would happily skip. As a personal trainer and Pilates teacher, I’m pretty familiar with the most common ones (burpees, I’m looking at you!), but once in a while someone surprises me.  Top 10 Least Favourite Exercises Below are […]

Do you want to become a Pilates teacher? If you’ve already started to search for information, it can definitely be overwhelming. I’m going to simplify things for you and outline some of the options so you can feel more confident on your path to teaching Pilates.  Choose Your Own Path There are a lot of […]

Do you want to balance better? Like on your tiptoes? Or what about on one foot… Or your elbow, on your backside, or your shoulder blades and the back of your head? We balance in all of these ways (and more!) in Pilates. There is a lot of balance work in Pilates because it helps […]

If you are trying to decide if you should do Pilates or lift weights? I say, do both! Pilates will improve your weight lifting, while the lifting will make you stronger in your Pilates. It’s a win-win! It’s easy to see the benefits of strength training (you get stronger!), but what does Pilates have to […]

I love how social media and the internet have made it so much easier to find fitness information and inspiration. But with so much coming at you from your phone, at the gym, from friends, and even your trainers, how do you know which fitness advice to trust? I get frustrated with the industry sometimes […]

Have you ever wondered how to engage your muscles in Pilates with each exercise? We’ve all been told that Pilates will strengthen the core, so you may think you need to engage your abs the whole time. Then you have Pilates teachers (like me) who tell you that Pilates is a full body exercise, and […]

A large number of people are referred to Pilates to help them get a stronger core. When I first started doing Pilates, I was surprised to learn what my core really was! Before that, it was all about abs. (If you’re around my age, you may remember the workout videos like “The 20 Minute Workout” […]

Our bodies evolve as we move through the different stages of life, including changes in our fitness levels and overall well-being. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, reflecting on how my fitness level, weight, and energy levels have shifted (many times) over the years. I’ve felt frustrated in these areas many times, most […]