Pilates is a form of fitness developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.The method focuses on strengthening the deep muscles of the torso, enhancing spinal mobility and developing body awareness.
Pilates exercises combine strength, flexibility and mobility to help you feel freer in your body. We work with the rhythm of our breath to execute more fluid, controlled, and conscientious movement.
Pilates is excellent for people with back problems or as a preventive measure, as the majority of exercises are devoted to strengthening the abdominals and the back.
Pilates improves posture, reduces tension, relaxes the nervous system and makes you feel more balanced.
We offer several forms of Pilates to cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. Here are the different options available to you: Pilates Reformer, Mat Pilates, Pilates on the Table, and Pilates MOTR. We invite you to watch the video below to distinguish between the various Pilates forms and choose the one that suits you best.
Strengthens postural muscles
We work all the major muscle chains of the body, from proximal to distal (from the center of the abdominals to the extremities of the body).Postural muscles become stronger and more solid to support us in everyday life.
Improves mobility
Pilates focuses on spinal mobility through core control (also known as the "power house").As Joseph Pilates said, ''Do Pilates to have a spine as strong as a Greek spine and as flexible as a cat's''.
Develops body awareness
All Pilates exercises, guided by our breath, are executed slowly, with control and fluidity. The instructor provides students with invaluable details about the human body to help them better discover themselves. At the end of a Pilates class, we often feel lighter, taller and more energized!
Now counting 6 locations, Equilibre Studio is the largest professional Pilates studio in Montreal. Founded in 2010, our goal is to offer a balanced workout for optimal health and quality of life. To achieve this, we offer a variety of classes: Floor Pilates, Reformer Pilates, MOTR Pilates, Table Pilates, as well as Yoga, Barre Fitness and Essentrics. Our mission is to encourage you towards conscious well-being and harmony of body and mind.
We are proud to introduce the members of the Equilibre Studio team. All our qualified instructors are here to advise you and help you improve in your favourite classes.
Pilates mat work, also known as Pilates mat or traditional Pilates mat work, is a method of physical exercise practised standing on a mat. Pilates is a form of fitness developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The method focuses on strengthening the deep muscles of the trunk, enhancing spinal mobility and developing body awareness.
Here are the benefits of Mat Pilates:
Pilates on the Penchenat Table is performed on a horizontal or inclined surface. You work through a variety of movement sequences to engage all muscle chains. By localizing the action levels on the spine, this workout offers intense muscle strengthening. It is used to help improve posture and physical endurance in everyday life, as well as to help athletes perform better.
Here are the benefits of tabletop Pilates:
Penchenat Table Pilates is an exercise method named after its creator, Philippe Penchenat. This method uses a Pilates table equipped with springs and other accessories to perform a series of exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve posture and flexibility, and promote better coordination and concentration.
Pilates MOTR is a variation of Pilates using a portable and highly versatile device called MOTR (Mouvement On The Roller). This small device visually resembles a Pilates roller, but has the same features as a reformer (adjustable ropes, straps and resistance). Think of the Pilates MOTR as a combination of Pilates floor, Pilates Reformer and Barre Fitness.
Here are the benefits of Pilates MOTR:
To take this course, you’ll need to be in good basic physical condition. All movements are accessible, but we don’t recommend this type of training if you have significant injuries. On the other hand, this class is perfect if you want to improve strength, coordination and balance.
Big Ball Pilates is a fitness activity that combines the principles of Pilates with the use of a large exercise ball. This ball, often called a Swiss ball, provides unstable support, forcing the body’s stabilizing muscles to work harder to maintain balance during exercise.
This activity strengthens the core, also known as the “powerhouse” in Pilates. Exercises performed on the ball engage the deep muscles of the abdomen, back and stabilizing muscles, improving posture, stability and overall body strength.
Another interesting feature of this activity is that it develops coordination and balance. By performing exercises on an unstable support, the body must constantly adapt to maintain stability, which improves proprioception and movement coordination.
Finally, Pilates on a large ball is a fun and stimulating activity. Working with the ball adds a playful dimension to Pilates practice, which can make training more motivating and enjoyable.