Authentic Pilates at Rhinebeck Pilates
The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was originated by Joseph Pilates 1902 and throughout his lifetime as a means to “complete coordination of the mind, body and spirit”. With the use of specialized apparatus, pilates movements are flowing, precise, energizing, and challenging, and based on “stretch with strength and control.”
The Authentic Pilates Method and pilates equipment will strengthen and tone the entire body, with an emphasis on the core muscles. It is not uncommon for pilates students to re-learn correct posture, realign to proper biomechanical patterns and gain inches in height after only a few months of regular pilates practice!
Benefits of Authentic Pilates
Everybody including men and women, athletes, dancers, new mothers, office workers, the physically active and people recovering from injuries have all experienced the benefits of pilates at Rhinebeck Pilates.
Pilates will:
- Strengthen and define muscles without building bulk
- Tone the whole body with use of spring resistance
- Increase flexibility, coordination, circulation, and overall health
- Increase range of motion
- Improve posture
- Promote relaxation and well-being
Pilates helps:
- Golfers improve their game
- Runners, cyclists, skiers, and tennis players reduce risk of injury
- Women prepare for a healthy pregnancy, and regain strength afterwards
- Bad backs decrease tension from building strength in the core muscles
- Older adults improve balance and joint health
About Gratz Pilates Equipment
Rhinebeck Pilates is fully equipped with Gratz apparatus, which is well known for being the most authentic manufacturer of pilates equipment and oldest pilates equipment company still in business today since Joseph Pilates. Most of our Gratz equipment was handmade for our studio in Long Island City, NY and some of our newer pieces were made in Gratz’s new factory in Philadelphia.
The differences in Gratz equipment versus any other type of equipment are quite apparent, not only in looks but especially in feel while exercising. Gratz reformers are well known for the drag of the carriage, weight of the springs, and tension of the straps. Students truly have to become one with the equipment, and work with it, during each and every exercise. The equipment offers assistance, as well as strong resistance. This duality is present throughout the whole pilates method- again and again. It starts with the equipment. Then, translates into the exercises, and then into the body.
About Elaine Ewing’s Collection of Original Pilates Apparatus
Rhinebeck Pilates is one of very few places in the world where much of Joseph Pilates’ Original Equipment can be found in working order and is used throughout the studio.
Elaine’s collection consists of a Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, Folding Mat, Push Up Device, and Cadillac from the original NYC pilates studio. Seasonally, we also share two pieces of original equipment with Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum: an original Bench Mat and original Junior Reformer.
Additionally, Elaine’s collection includes original pilates apparatus from Carola Trier’s studio, circa 1958-1988. Equipment from this collection includes an original high chair, baby chair, benchmat, spine corrector, an adjustable ped-o-pul with a bike seat attached, and floor platform.