Pilates
The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed a century ago by Joseph H. Pilates. Benefits of this system include:
•strengthens and tones muscles•improves posture•provides flexibility and balance•unites body and mind•creates a more streamlined shape.Contrary to popular belief, Joseph Pilates created his method of exercise, which he called Contrology, for men. He initially taught it to athletes, acrobats, policemen, and the military.
With its wide range of exercises, Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body.
Joseph H. PilatesAbout Joseph H. Pilates
Pilates began developing his exercise system in Germany in the early 1900s. Plagued by asthma and rickets as a child, Pilates was determined to strengthen his frail and sickly body. His method sprang from this determination. He became a circus performer and a boxer. In 1912 he went to England where he worked as a self-defense instructor for detectives at Scotland Yard. At the outbreak of World War I, Joe was interned as an "enemy alien" with other German nationals. During his internment, Pilates refined his ideas and trained other internees, and ultimately wounded war veterans, in his system of exercise. He rigged springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance, an innovation that led to his later equipment designs. An influenza epidemic struck England in 1918, killing thousands of people, but not a single one of Pilates's trainees died. This, he claimed, testified to the effectiveness of his system.
After his release, Joe returned to Germany. His exercise method gained favor in the dance community, primarily through Rudolf von Laban, who created the form of dance notation most widely used today. Hanya Holm adopted many of Joe's exercises for her modern dance curriculum, and they are still part of the "Holm Technique." When German officials asked Pilates to teach his fitness system to the army, he decided to leave Germany for good.
In 1926, Pilates opened his first “Pilates Studio” in New York, attracting athletes and some of the city’s finest dancers, including George Balanchine and Martha Graham. Housewives and businessmen also came to Pilates to get and stay fit. Many people who were unable to find help from conventional medicine found Joseph Pilates and were helped by him. An opera singer who lost her voice was able to sing again after working with him. A conductor who lost the use of his arms was restored to his career.
Call 212.633.6130 or email me to schedule a private session or a group class.
After emergency brain surgery and six weeks of convalescent bed rest, I was a physical wreck. Too weak to return to my yoga practice, but longing to stretch and move again. So I put myself in Michelle's capable hands, and through her gentle Gyrotonic coaching, within six months I had regained my coordination and sense of fitness. She is an exceptional trainer.
Marisa BartolucciMagazine EditorClient since 2007I came to Michelle after years of trying things that didn’t work. Traditional chiropractors and physical therapists had always provided relief, but never really a permanent solution. Michelle, however, genuinely helped me get to the root of my body’s pain and mobility issues; and along the way, I’ve developed a much deeper intuition about how my body moves – a connection that I hadn’t even known was possible beforehand.
Working with Michelle has changed my life. It has been both a journey and commitment, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Joey H.Digital Media and AdvertisingClient since 2006I broke my back in a horse-riding accident and am at risk for disc degeneration and arthritic spurs – none of that yet, thanks to Michelle. She has been brilliant, intuitive and enthusiastically supportive in what will be my life-long recovery.
Elizabeth, 63 years oldClient since 2005I had been doing Pilates for four years before I met Michelle. Since then I have been training exclusively with her for about six years now. I stayed with Michelle because she creates workouts tailored to my personal physical condition taking into account any medical problems I may have at any specific time. I saw tremendous progress in my physical abilities and a significant improvement in my body shape. I am stronger now then I ever was (I am in my late 40s). When you work with Michelle you work hard and it pays off.
Sonia BrombergLawyerClient since 2005
