Pilates is a movement method developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates (1883–1967). Originally called Contrology, it was designed to build strength, improve posture, and support efficient movement through precise, controlled exercises that integrate breath, alignment, and full-body coordination.

In the 1910s and 1920s, Joseph Pilates also developed a system of spring-based equipment to support and challenge the body. These early designs, created decades before modern fitness machines, allowed for both assistance and resistance, making the method adaptable for rehabilitation, conditioning, and long-term physical development.

Today, Pilates is practiced in both classical and contemporary forms. Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates’ original exercises and sequencing, while contemporary Pilates builds on the method using modern movement science and updated teaching approaches. At Kineo, we teach Pilates as a system and draw from both traditions, using small groups and hands-on guidance to help you build strength, mobility, and awareness in a way that feels grounded, adaptable, and sustainable.

Mat Pilates is practiced on the floor using your own body weight and sometimes small props. The exercises focus on breath, flexibility, and the use of the “powerhouse” — the deep muscles of the abdomen, back, hips, and pelvic floor — to stabilize and lengthen the body. Mat work is a great way to learn the foundations of Pilates and build strength, control, and body awareness.

Tower and reformer Pilates use spring-based apparatus originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. These machines use springs, straps, and bars to create resistance and support, allowing exercises to feel both challenging and accessible. The springs can assist or resist movement, making it possible to work with precision, depth, and a wide range of exercises that support strength, mobility, and coordination.

At Kineo, mat, tower, and reformer are all part of the same system. Each offers a different way to experience Pilates: mat builds a strong foundation, tower brings clarity and organization, and reformer allows for efficient progression and variety. Many people benefit from combining all three, choosing what suits their body, experience level, and needs on a given day.

In addition to our towers and reformers we also have a classical cadillac, wunda chair, high chair, ladder barrel and ped-i-pole.

ELDOA™ is a system of self-applied postural exercises developed by osteopath Guy Voyer DO. The primary goal of an ELDOA is to increase space within a chosen joint through a very specific posture and targeted tension. somavoyer.com+1

There is an ELDOA for every level of the spine, as well as for joints like the shoulders, hips, and pelvis. As space is created, practitioners commonly describe improvements in joint mechanics and circulation, reduced pressure on discs, support for disc hydration, improved posture, and an increased sense of well-being and body awareness.

At Kineo, we often pair ELDOA with myofascial stretching and Pilates-based work to support mobility, joint health, and long-term resilience. These classes can be a great fit if you have back discomfort or movement restrictions, and they are also valuable if you simply want more space, organization, and ease in your body. 

What is Myofascial stretching?

In this class we get specific to the anatomy of each muscle and approach the stretching of that muscle with respect towards its facial attachments and the direction of its muscle fibers. Fascia is a delicate web of tissue covering the sleeves of our muscles, connective tissues and joints and balanced via an organic system of tension. When we look at Fascia through the lens of tensegrity or balanced tension we can apply those specific principles to better mobilize, stretch and lubricate our fascial tissue for improved health

When we talk about segmental strengthening we are looking at the function and mechanics of specific muscles in order to prioritize training not just a particular muscle but also the segment, depth and range of that muscle to support training different goals.

Any movement is better than none, however to achieve the benefits of pilates a minimum of 2-3x per week is helpful to more quickly progress. If you can manage to come more than one time per week, we recommend choosing a variety of classes to challenge your body on different levels.

Seeing results varies greatly from body to body and depends as well on the types of classes taken. But after 10 regular sessions, you should feel different in your body and most people will also be able to see some changes.