STOTT PILATES® was developed by Moira Merrithew and her husband in 1998 and they are based in Toronto, Canada. As a professional dancer, Moira was continually struggling with various injuries and as dancers they were encouraged to train in the Pilates method. To rehabilitate herself back to good health she studied Joseph Pilates methods and trained with Romana Kryzanowska, a disciple of Joseph Pilates and over the past three decades together with a team of physiotherapists and sports and medicine professionals they have constantly been refining the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise and continue to do so as new research comes to light. They incorporate modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking on spinal rehabilitation, fascial integration, muscle conditioning and athletic performance enhancement. STOTT PILATES® exercises focus on aiming to restore the natural curves on the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints.
All of the exercises offer modifications and challenges making the method suitable for all different body types and abilities.
CLASSICAL PILATES refers to the traditional series of exercises designed by Joseph Pilates, performed in the precise sequence he had intended, with the purpose of achieving complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. He dedicated his later years to shaping and perfecting his method—which he later named Contrology which focuses on holistic movement and overall wellness
Classical Pilates follows the same order of exercises every single time you do a class because Joseph Pilates designed it to be that way! Each set of exercises was carefully crafted to create continuous and flowing movement throughout your body to improve strength, flexibility and control. Each move builds from the one before—starting off with foundational exercises to warm up your body and progressing towards more complex (and often very tough!) movements. Pilates sequences also enhance mental alertness as performing the moves requires a great deal of focus.
Joseph Pilates himself invented much of the equipment that is still used in studios today, namely the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel and Magic Circle. Each apparatus was designed to intensify and deepen stretches, tone muscles and improve strength and control with varying degrees of resistance.
No equipment? No problem! One of the things that makes Pilates great is that it can be done on the mat, too. And yes, Mat Pilates is Classical Pilates and very accessible to all.
Romana Kryzanowska, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel and Eve Gentry, to name just a few—worked and trained directly under Joseph and Clara , his wife. These individuals later became known as First Generation Pilates instructors. After Joseph Pilates died, they went on to teach his method to Second Generation Pilates instructors and so on. The method will have little tweaks here and there from each of these teachers, but overall the aim is to try to keep as close to the original method.
I have completed apparatus classical method training under Alison Salmond , first a lead IT for Stott in the UK, then undertaking her own classical training under several highly respected classical teachers including Sean Gallagher who developed the first classical teacher training program with Romana and is the archivist of all things Joseph!
My teaching incorporates a blend of the classical repertoire plus offering modifications where needed in order to be able to progress to the original work, so you get the best of both worlds! Classes are suitable from the complete beginner to those familiar with Pilates. I teach clients with a whole host of various ailments, so never be afraid that any condition will pose a hindrance. Just give me a call and we can discuss and go from there and I am confident I will be able to put your mind at ease.
I will help you see an improvement in your posture, balance, strength, flexibility, endurance and mobility. All classes are progressive and by attending regularly you will begin to see and feel a difference. An emphasis will be placed on correct positioning and placement so you reap the benefits as you progress at your own pace through the repertoire. Most importantly we will have fun as we learn and progress!