The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.

– joseph pilates

Snake

   Benefits of Pilates

  • strengthens muscles
  • improves posture
  • develops flexibility
  • increases coordination
  • muscle toning
  • injury prevention and recovery
  • back pain relief
  • improves balance and mobility
  • increases energy
  • long term functionality
  • improves health and well being

History of Pilates

German Born Joseph Pilates invented and promoted his method of physical fitness in the 1920’s. His technique, which he called “Contrology,” is now know around the world as The Pilates Method.

Unhealthy as a child, he suffered from several aliments including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. Influenced by his father who was a prize winning gymnast and his mother who was a naturopath, he was determined to overcome his illnesses. He studied anatomy and many kinds of self-improvement systems including yoga and martial arts. He practiced many forms of fitness such as wrestling, gymnastics, body building, and became accomplished as a skier, boxer, and diver.

He was working as a circus perfumer and boxer at the outbreak of WWI and was placed in forced internment in England. It is here he began to develop the floor exercises that were the foundation of what was to become the Pilates Mat Work. He lead daily exercises for all the members of his cell block to maintain their physical and mental well-being. When the war was over he was asked to train the German secret police, it was at this point he emigrated to the United States. He opened up a studio in New York City and continued to develop and teach his exercise system until the time of his death in 1967.

What is Pilates

The Pilates Technique consists of a series of controlled movements performed with precise focus, balance, and a conscious flowing breath. Executed with a continuous flow between each exercise which helps to maintain a connection between the mind and body, working them together. Whether performing the series of mat exercises or using The Pilates apparatus all exercises promote flexibility, muscle toning, core strength, and balance.

The primary goal of the exercises is to stabilize and strengthen the core muscles, consisting of abdominals, back, gluteals, and upper thighs, all of which work together to support the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. The result is a balanced body able to better avoid and recover from injury. Performed correctly the exercises help realign postural problems by working through muscular imbalances.

One of the many great things about Pilates is that it is highly adaptable, making it suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness. From young children to the elderly, straight beginners to top athletes, and benefits those recovering from surgery or injuries, such as back pain and many more. This proven method helps millions of people feel better and move better every day. A consistent Pilates practice will provide you with lasting results, helping you look and feel fantastic, shining with confidence and vitality every!

A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence,
are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.

– joseph pilates

Barrel

Barrel

Splits

Splits

Plank

Plank

Mermaid

Mermaid

Ball

Ball

It has been my privilege to study Pilates with Gina for more than ten years.  She is a uniquely passionate and gifted instructor whose professional knowledge and ability to motivate are unparalleled.  She maintains high standards which  result in her students’ mastery of proper technique and their steady overall progress.    Gina is a listener and a collaborator and actively partners with her students to address individual needs.  Her holistic approach to Pilates instruction truly engages mind, body and spirit, facilitating  a beautifully balanced experience.

Laura Krum

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work with Gina. Gina is an outstanding teacher with exceptionally keen observation skills. She has worked carefully and compassionately with me to gain strength while I rehabilitate from an injury. Gina is able to offer me the perfect level of challenge with an ability to keep me focused on the key points in any exercise. I continue to feel more at home in my body and better able to move with comfort, ease and strength from my work with Gina. Gina has an eye for detail that helps me to move away from habitual patterns in my body and better understand the biomechanics of my body. I look forward to my sessions with Gina because I learn so much every single time. I am very happy with the steady progress that I am making with Gina’s guidance and encouragement. Working with Gina is enlightening, inspiring and a lot of fun. Gina is a highly skilled and knowledgeable teacher that I would recommend to anyone interested in gaining strength, flexibility and ease in their body.

Claire Bolinger

Without Gina I would not be able to achieve my goal to have a healthy active life.  I am still amazed after 8 years that I continue to understand how I can improve my range of motion and strength. 
 
I took up marathon running 5 years ago.  After 80+ marathons I am pain free and walk tall.  Gina has taught me how to take of my hamstring and psoas muscles.
 
Gina is direct, clear and committed to providing the best instructions possible.  Gina is also patient and understanding which is very much appreciated.  Working with Gina has been a good match for me.

Craig Kiest

I have been taking Pilates from Gina Frabotta for ten years, and I can say with certainty that there is no one more knowledgeable and tenured. She personalizes classes for individual needs and rehabilitation.

Gina always starts each class with personal inventory, which helps you focus on your goals for the class. Whether it is a matt, reformer or core align, Gina’s approach is unique. Her attentiveness and natural skills help you leave each workout feeling empowered and more in tune with you body.

Debbie Madden

I look forward to my Pilates sessions with Gina, she is a skilled and knowledgeable instructor.  How I feel after each session can account for her knowledge and skill.  I feel taller, stronger, and relieved of any pain I’m experiencing.  She has a great knowledge of the body, and is fun to work with.  She changes up the routine to meet the needs of my body.  Being a mom of three young ones, with all the lifting and stress my body goes through, Pilates is a must for a pain free week.  I’ve suffered with back pain, and the work she creates for me keeps me stronger than I’ve ever been.  My sessions are a highlight of my week, and Gina makes that possible.

Kelly Post-Lewis

I have had the pleasure of having Gina as my Pilates instructor for more than 9 years.  She is an outstanding teacher who balances concern for her client’s well being with persistent dedication to improving her core strength with grace and ease.   She is patient, conscientious, encouraging and empowering!   I have been able to make great strides in improving my body’s alignment, flexibility and muscle tone, all under the expert tutelage of Gina.  I would highly recommend her to anyone, beginner to advanced, who wants to add Pilates to his or her fitness routine.

Nancy Bolton

The highlight of my week is Water Pilates with Gina.  I first found the pool after an injury and immediately found joy and recovery with the assistance of Gina.  Gina’s cross training Pilates and Yoga Training gave her an edge in the water.  Her knowledge builds body awareness and strength in her clients as well as sense of well being.

Pam Resnick

Gina Frabotta’s private sessions or her group classes are always full which speaks volumes for her extraordinary talent and inspirational teaching style. I am a very flexible person and Gina has worked with me for years on how to use my muscles properly to protect my knees and joints. Gina is extremely patient with me and my 50+ years of sloppy habits. She is knowledgeable, caring and makes me feel good about myself and what I accomplish.

Because of Gina I am more aware of my body, how it works and how Pilate’s have become a part of my daily life. I feel privileged that I am able to work with Gina and she continues to work with me.

Wendy