Developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of The Pilates Studio, Joseph H. Pilates, The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. Not surprisingly, some of the first people to use The Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine.

The Pilates Method is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers. The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a refreshing and energizing workout.

Because conditioning sessions are done one-to-one with a teacher or in closely supervised small groups, each session is tailored to your specific needs.

Regardless of your current level of fitness - from sedentary office worker to fitness enthusiast - The Pilates Method can be your primary mode of body conditioning and injury prevention.

Recently discovered by physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedists, The Pilates Method of body conditioning can also be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs designed to speed recovery of soft tissue injuries.

GyrotonicŪ (using equipment) and GyrokinesisŪ (group format) were developed over 30 years ago by Juliu Horvath using principles of yoga, swimming, dance, and gymnastics to work major and minor muscles groups in an integrated manner. Core strength is developed along with joint strength, spinal flexibility, proper body alignment, and endurance.

GyrotonicŪ is a three-dimensional form of exercise. The equipment guides your movements with resistence along circular pathways to open up joints and strengthen ligaments. The corresponding breathing patterns in every movement stimulate the nervous system, open up energy pathways, and oxygenate the blood. Much research is being done in Germany on the therapeutic aspects of GyrotonicŪ with regards to spinal and joint rehabilitation.

This system is ideal for men and women, aging bodies, dancers, triathletes, and more. It is especially useful for pre- and post-shoulder or hip surgery rehabilitation, and for stiffening spines.

For extensive information about this system, click on www.gyrotonic.org.