Yes! Pilates has developed a reputation as a program only for women and dancers, but that’s not true! Pilates is the perfect exercise program for everyone. The method teaches the student how to use the body correctly whether you are an elite athlete or dancer looking to fine tune your physique or a sedentary person trying to gain a basic level of fitness.

I will tailor your workout to meet your specific needs, whether you are rehabilitating an injury, pregnant or preparing your body for a big event. Pilates is for every body, young, old and everyone in between! Joseph Pilates was born in 1880 in Dusseldorf, Germany.  As a sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he made it a lifelong quest to improve his health. Mr. Pilates began developing his exercise system, first called “Contrology” in the early 1900s. During World War I he served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man where he began working with non-ambulatory patients. He attached springs to the hospital beds to support the patients’ limbs while he worked with them. This apparatus was the basis for the Universal Reformer.

Mr. Pilates moved from Germany to New York City in 1926 and set up his first studio on Eighth Avenue. He created this exercise method with men in mind, but he quickly gained a devout following among many dancers namely Martha Graham and George Balanchine, because the body’s alignment, core strength and flexibility are so improved. His method became known as a program for dancers but this wasn’t his intention. He taught thousands of regular people in the Eighth Avenue studio until it was destroyed by a fire that some say led to his death at age 86 in 1967.

Several of Joseph Pilates students carried on his work taking what he taught them as they remembered and carried it on to their students. That is why you see so many variations of Pilates today. My first teacher was one of Joseph Pilates main protegees, Romana Kryzanowska.

Private Pilates classes are not cheap! As a teacher with over twenty years experience with multiple certifications, I always stay up to date with continuing education workshops and seminars. I charge $120 for one session, $575 for five sessions and $1100 for ten.

However there are ways to practice Pilates with any budget. My studio, Phoenix Classical Pilates in Santa Monica offers an array of fun group classes for much less. Many gyms offer Pilates mat classes included in your membership. Or sign up for Pilatesology.com for hundreds of great workout you can do from home for $19 a month! Just use code MOLLY30 to get 30 days for free.

Wear comfortable yet form fitting clothing so the teacher can see what’s happening in your body. If you look at photos from the old days in Joe Pilates’ studio, the women wore only a leotard. The men wore a speedo. That is not necessary! I wear yoga tights and a form fitting T-shirt or workout top. I suggest men wear biker shorts under their shorts and a fitted T-shirt.