The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning focuses on core muscle groups, known as "the powerhouse" - the abdomen, lower back, and buttocks. Pilates works to stabilize the inner core muscles by aligning and strengthening the body.

Joseph Pilates, a German fitness trainer (who had earned a living as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer), came to the United States in the 1920's and set up the first studio in New York, where he was discovered by George Balanchine and Martha Graham. Soon, dancers, actors and athletes were practicing the technique. It is now one of the most popular forms of exercise and conditioning.

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning utilizes special equipment and mats. Pilates exercises are designed to uniformly develop muscles through the use of five special pieces of equipment and a padded mat.

At Barking Legs Theater, instruction is provided by certified instructors, Kim Butters and Ann Law. These sessions are on a one-on-one basis or in very small groups, called mat classes. Because of the small student-teacher ratio, you can begin Pilates exercises at your own fitness level. The private sessions are truly the best way to get started in the Pilates method. Your instructor will design a session that will cater to your particular needs. These exercises are not jarring to the joints and we have many ways of modifying the work to fit any injury that you might have.

Article from Vogue