Pilates Performance is a fully-equipped Pilates Studio in Waterloo, Ontario owned and operated by Mary Pat Byrne, a certified Pilates instructor. Mary Pat teaches group Pilates classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, and also offers private and semi-private classes. Classes are designed for men and women of all ages.

What is Pilates? Mary Pat Explains. . .

If I had to define the meaning of PILATES in 3 words it would be “Mindful Body Control”.

Pilates was developed in the early 1900’s by Joseph Pilates. Joseph was definitely ahead of his time and I think he would be proud to see the widespread development and use of his work.

Joseph’s history is quite fascinating and there is more information available now due to the increased interest in his techniques. In summary, Joseph was a sickly child who learned in his early teens, the importance of exercise and the benefits of having a fit body. He participated in everything from bodybuilding and boxing to skiing. During World War I he passed his knowledge on to British soldiers and continued to develop specific exercise regimes to stay in top physical shape. He later moved to the United States with his wife Clara and further developed what is known as “The Method”.

This “Method” involved a series of slow, controlled, and continuous body movements performed on a mat. The movements were designed to be executed with a focused mind and included emphasis on breath, balance and precision. Many of the deep muscles were called in to play, in order to work from a “girdle of strength” as he put it. Today this is commonly known as “core strength”. This core system is often misinterpreted in fitness classes as being abdominals only, but those who participate in Pilates classes soon realize that there is much more involved.

Joseph Pilates took his work one step further to develop equipment specific to his technique. The first piece of equipment, known as the “Universal Reformer” (now known as the “Reformer”), involved the use of springs and pulleys to vary resistance. He later developed the “Trapeze Table” (also known as the “Cadillac”) and the “Wunda Chair”. This unique and specialized equipment is still used in Pilates studios around the world and is quickly gaining popularity. Many elite athletes are adding Pilates workouts to their regime. The workouts on the equipment are taught under careful supervision by well trained, certified Pilates instructors.

Participants of Pilates, whether it be a mat class or a session on the equipment, leave with a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. They feel taller, stronger and more flexible, knowing they worked their body inside and out!

“It is the mind that builds the body.”
                      Joseph Pilates