About Pilates
Pilates is a training method that connects breath, control and alignment. At Studio Tei 29 we teach it in the spirit of the classical BASI tradition, on authentic equipment and in small groups.
History of Pilates
The method is named after Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born in Germany in the late 19th century. A fragile child, he sought strength through gymnastics, yoga, martial arts and anatomy.
During the First World War in England he worked with bedridden patients and developed exercises with springs and resistance, forerunners of today’s apparatus. After moving to New York in the 1920s, he opened a studio with his wife Clara, where dancers and performers were among the first loyal practitioners.
Joseph Pilates called his method “Contrology”, conscious control of movement. The principles remain: concentration, centre (powerhouse), precision, breath, flow and integration of the whole body.
Who practises Pilates
There is no single “ideal” profile. Pilates adapts to your age, fitness and goals, from a first session to years of practice.
- People who want strength, mobility and better posture in daily life
- Athletes and dancers seeking control, muscular balance and smart recovery
- Pregnant and postpartum clients in adapted, supervised programmes
- Those with back pain, stiffness or rehab phases, with gradual progress
- Beginners learning fundamentals in a calm setting without pressure
- Advanced practitioners wanting depth in the classical apparatus work
What practice looks like with us
In the studio we follow the BASI curriculum: classical exercises, clear progression and attention to alignment. Sessions may be Mat-based or on apparatus, Reformers, chairs, barrels and more, depending on your goals and session type.
Every body is different. Your instructor adjusts springs, support and variations so you work safely, with appropriate challenge and steady feedback.
Studio apparatus
Authentic Joseph Pilates equipment offers adjustable resistance, tactile feedback and a wide range of movement. Here is what we use at Studio Tei 29:
Reformer
A sliding carriage with springs; the backbone of apparatus work. Strength, mobility, coordination and centre control.
Wunda Chair
A compact chair with pedal and springs. Ideal for stability, leg work and upright exercises with high challenge in a small footprint.
Barrel
A curved surface (ladder barrel) for extension, hip opening and supported flexion. Supports posture and breath in full-range movement.
Cadillac
A tall frame with trapeze, springs and bars. Allows suspended work, assisted stretching and full-body exercises, including rehab.
Tower
A vertical spring unit, often attached to the reformer. Varies resistance in seated, standing or supine work for arms, back and centre.
Spine Corrector
A small arc for flexion, extension and activation of the lower back and abdominal belt. Precise support for spinal alignment.
Start with a session
Whether Pilates is new to you or you are returning after a break, we welcome you in the studio. Book online or explore session types and our beginners’ guide.