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What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. Pilates is a very exact exercise form.  It is this exactness that yields results.

The Progressive Pilates Centre is the first facility in Squamish dedicated to Pilates instruction.  The Centre offers Posture Analysis, Personal Training, Post Rehabilitation, Stretching, Mat and Reformer Sessions.  Check our comprehensive schedule to find a Pilates Class at your level at a time and day that will work for you.

Clients of the Progressive Pilates Centre receive quality instruction and specialized attention from fully certified instructors who have participated in rigorous programs from reputable Pilates training facilities.

Who Was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. As a child he suffered of ailments such as Rickets, Asthma and Rheumatic Fever. He was determined to overcome the state of his weak body and developed his own conditioning program. During the World War I he was a Prisoner of War in England. He was sent to a military hospital to rehabilitate the injured. Because the injured were bedridden, he used bedsprings and attached them to various places to provide resistance for the conditioning programs.

1920, Joseph Pilates opened his first Pilates Studio in New York. Most of his clients came from the world of the performing arts.

Joseph Pilates used 6 basic principles in his work:

1. Breathing: It facilitates the flow of oxygen throughout body, improves circulation and reduces tension.
2. Precision: Quality of work versus quantity.
3. Centering: The movements come from the centre (Powerhouse) of the body.
4. Flowing Movement: Executing flowing movement with deep relaxed breathing will reduce stress on the body and the risk of injury.
5. Control Controlled movements will prevent injury and recruitment of the appropriate muscles
6. Concentration: Mind and body works together. It is important to connect with the body during the execution of the movement

How Does Pilates Work?

The Powerhouse: Pilates is a conditioning program to strengthen the “Powerhouse”, or core of the body, which includes the deep abdominal muscles, buttocks muscles and the muscles around the spine. Strengthening these muscles, will improve stabilization of the pelvis and shoulder girdle. The Pilates work will strengthen and stretch the entire body.

The Spine: The spine with its natural curves of an “S” shape, will support the weight of the body, absorb shock and allow free movement. Due to certain lifestyles, bad postural habits or injury, the shape of the spine can change and reduce its normal functions.

Pilates work will strengthen and stretch the entire body.

Pilates can help to re-align the spine by strengthening and lengthening the appropriate muscles.

Benefits of Pilates

• Core Strength & Stability
• Flexibility
• Balance & Coordination
• Relief from Back Pain
• Improved Posture
• Post-Rehabilitation
• Prevention of Injury

The Reformer

When Joseph Pilates developed the pilates program, he used the patient’s bed and attached springs for resistance. This was the precursor of the reformer we are using today. It is a piece of equipment with a pulley system, springs and a movable carriage.

Workouts on the reformer will enable you to gain overall strength and flexibility. The emphasis of the workouts is on muscle balance, core activation and stabilization.

It is a progressive strengthening workout.