As we prepare to open the doors to our new studio in Jordaan on May 2nd, we are not only expanding our space but also our offering, because we are going to add some new classes on the schedule… Pilates!
As we believe in movement that fosters connection, between body and mind, and within our community, adding Pilates classes to our offerings feels like a natural evolution, providing you with even more tools to support your journey on the mat. We will start with just a few classes during the week, with the plan to add more in the coming future.
The roots of the practice: Joseph Pilates
While Yoga has ancient spiritual roots, Pilates was born in the early 20th century. It was developed by Joseph Pilates, who dedicated his life to physical recovery and strength after a childhood of illness. During World War I, he began teaching his method, which he called “Contrology”, to fellow internees as a way to rehabilitate the body through precise, mindful movement. He believed that mental focus was the key to controlling every muscle.
This legacy of healing and resilience is at the very heart of the practice we are bringing to you.
Why Mat Pilates?
We stay true to the Mat Pilates tradition. By working primarily with your own body weight and the floor, you learn to recruit your muscles deeply and authentically. It is a practice of precision and awareness, where every movement is guided by the breath. We will use some of the traditional pilates props, like soft balls and rings, to increase muscle activation, add variety to exercises and challenge balance. It becomes a full-body workout, guided by breath & awareness.
The perfect complement to your Yoga practice
If you are already a dedicated yogi, you might wonder how Pilates fits in. We see them as the perfect combination:
- Core strength and stability: While Yoga is wonderful for flexibility and balance, Pilates dives deep into the “Powerhouse”. It focuses on the deep stabilizing muscles of the core that support your spine and improve your posture in every yoga asana.
- Injury prevention and recovery: Because of its emphasis on correct alignment and controlled movement, Pilates is an incredible tool for injury prevention. It helps “knit” the body back together, making it a safe choice for those in recovery (always listening to your body’s unique needs).
- Support after 40: As we move through different stages of life, maintaining muscle strength becomes essential for bone health and vitality. Pilates offers a low-impact yet highly effective way to build that necessary strength.
- Enhanced awareness: Much like our Vinyasa or Yin classes, Pilates requires you to be fully present. The coordination of breath and movement creates a meditative flow that leaves you feeling centered and empowered.
- Guided by yoga teachers: Our Pilates classes will be taught by our regular yoga teachers, the same ones you’ve been taking vinyasa classes with for quite some time. As they have already for years experienced the value of combining yoga with pilates practice.
Join us from May 2nd at Anjeliersstraat 35
Whether you are looking to find more stability in your standing poses, or simply explore a new way of moving mindfully, we can’t wait to welcome you to these new classes. Check our updated schedule for the new location and book your spot. Let’s continue to grow, breathe, and move together in this new chapter.
