The pilates (pu-lah-teez) technique combines awareness of the spine, proper breathing and continuous motion to slim your muscles, flatten your stomach, strengthen your back, and lengthen and balance your legs. The method is a systematic progression of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates circa 1928 to promote strength, flexibility, balance and control. Regular performance of even a few of the 500 exercises will develop the "Powerhouse:"

• the abdomen,
• lower back,
• hips

into a firm central support from which to move with economy, grace and balance. You will regain vitality and stand taller. Doctors, physical therapists, and other professional health care providers, validate the pilates technique as both an effective fitness method and a safe system of rehabilitation from injury. The exercises:

• correct poor posture,
• minimize neck and shoulder dysfunction,
• decompress joints,
• stimulate circulation,
• improve range of motion.

PilateSpa is a private studio committed to reviving the mind/body connection through pilates technique, active stretch and strength techniques, and balanced movement. PilateSpa affords peace and privacy for individual and group instruction in mat exercises and on the apparatus regimen. PilateSpa will tailor workshops and seminars for your group or corporate needs. Please contact Kathleen Conklin at 608.244.0402 ext. 1 or by email: kathleen@pilatespa.com for more information.

Here are the Portals to the studio~

Pilates Mat Technique Training is required before attending any of the mat classes scheduled daily at the studio.  There are two ways to get the technique training. There is a group class which meets for six hours over three weeks. See Mat Technique.

If the group training does not meet your schedule, or you would prefer more personal training, you can learn the work in private lessons.   Plan on about four lessons.   Private lessons with Kathleen are $80; $60 with other instructors in the studio.  See Instructors.

There is a Pilates Apparatus Training Class on Wednesdays at 6 pm.   This is training on use of the Reformer.   You must sign up for this and plan on attending five classes fairly consecutively. Tuition is $150. Once you have completed that training, you can continue in that class or participate in other Apparatus classes on Monday and Thursday nights, or Wednesday and Friday during the day.  You can also do apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Low-Chair, Ladder Barrel)  work in private lessons.   Many people have a regular appointment weekly to keep up their technique.  See What's New on the Home Page.

You are welcome to attend the Stretch and Strength classes on Wednesday and Saturday without prior training.   The Wednesday class meets at 5 pm and consists of stretch, strengthening and deep tissue release on a foam roller. The Saturday class meets at 10:30 am and is more rigorous.  There is a free pass to your first stretch class here.

Stretch is a good introduction to who we are and how we teach and the
general mood and aesthetic of the studio.