"In the Stone Age and onward (people) lived mostly outdoors with practically little shelter from the elements. (We) have not yet lived long enough indoors with protection against the elements to be able to successfully withstand the daily strains and stresses imposed upon (us) by our present mode of 'fast' living. This explains why both you and I and all the rest of us are compelled in our own interest to give constant thought to improvement of our bodies..." - Joseph Pilates from 'Pilates' Return to Life Through Contrology'

So who are all the rest of us?

The rest of us...

• may have already tried Pilates somewhere else

• understand the difference between Pilates for the purpose of exercise and the exercise benefits of practicing a mind-body a discipline

• want to learn about our bodies and theories of movement, not just be instructed

• want to improve our well-being from the inside out, not just “tighten our tummies and tone our thighs”

• want to learn in a supportive non-competitive environment

• do not want our intelligence insulted

• may be elderly, obese, depressed, anxious, injured, de-conditioned or skeptical

• may already have a full practical knowledge of all of the Pilates exercises

• may be professional or amateur athletes and dancers

• may have a degenerative disease

• may think this is not for them...

Pilates has always been regarded as a foundation for every other activity an individual may engage in. The great thing about Pilates is that it can transform every other activity you do. Pilates principles, breathing techniques and fundamentals can be applied to walking, driving, cleaning, sitting, standing, weight lifting, running, sports, relaxing, dancing, hiking- the list is endless. So is it all you need to do? That depends on your lifestyle, although, probably not. However, it is a great basis for ANYTHING you choose to do.