Pilates is a form of fitness developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.The method focuses on strengthening the deep muscles of the torso, enhancing spinal mobility and developing body awareness.
The exercises combine strength, flexibility and mobility to help you feel freer in your body. We work with the rhythm of our breath to execute more fluid, controlled, and conscientious movement.
Pilates is excellent for people with back problems or as a preventive measure, as the majority of exercises are devoted to strengthening the abdominals and the back.
This discipline improves posture, reduces tension, relaxes the nervous system and makes you feel more balanced.
We offer several forms of Pilates to cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. Here are the different options available to you: Pilates Reformer, Mat Pilates, Pilates on the Table, and Pilates MOTR. We invite you to watch the video below to distinguish between the various Pilates forms and choose the one that suits you best.
Strengthens postural muscles
We work all the major muscle chains of the body, from proximal to distal (from the center of the abdominals to the extremities of the body).Postural muscles become stronger and more solid to support us in everyday life.
Improves mobility
The classes focuses on spinal mobility through core control (also known as the "power house").As Joseph Pilates said, ''Do Pilates to have a spine as strong as a Greek spine and as flexible as a cat's''.
Develops body awareness
All exercises, guided by our breath, are executed slowly, with control and fluidity. The instructor provides students with invaluable details about the human body to help them better discover themselves. At the end of a class, we often feel lighter, taller and more energized!
Now counting 6 locations, Equilibre Studio is the largest professional Pilates studio in Montreal. Founded in 2010, our goal is to offer a balanced workout for optimal health and quality of life. To achieve this, we offer a variety of classes: Floor Pilates, Reformer Pilates, MOTR Pilates, Table Pilates, as well as Yoga, Barre Fitness and Essentrics. Our mission is to encourage you towards conscious well-being and harmony of body and mind.
We are proud to introduce the members of the Equilibre Studio team. All our qualified instructors are here to advise you and help you improve in your favourite classes.
Pilates mat work, also known as Pilates mat or traditional Pilates mat work, is a method of physical exercise practised standing on a mat. Pilates is a form of fitness developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The method focuses on strengthening the deep muscles of the trunk, enhancing spinal mobility and developing body awareness.
Here are the benefits of Mat Pilates:
Pilates on the Penchenat Table is performed on a horizontal or inclined surface. You work through a variety of movement sequences to engage all muscle chains. By localizing the action levels on the spine, this workout offers intense muscle strengthening. It is used to help improve posture and physical endurance in everyday life, as well as to help athletes perform better.
Here are the benefits of tabletop Pilates:
Penchenat Table Pilates is an exercise method named after its creator, Philippe Penchenat. This method uses a Pilates table to perform a series of exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve posture and flexibility, and promote better coordination and concentration.
Pilates MOTR is a variation of Pilates using a portable and highly versatile device called MOTR (Mouvement On The Roller). This small device visually resembles a Pilates roller, but has the same features as a reformer (adjustable ropes, straps and resistance). Think of the Pilates MOTR as a combination of Pilates floor, Pilates Reformer and Barre Fitness.
Here are the benefits of Pilates MOTR:
To take this course, you’ll need to be in good basic physical condition. All movements are accessible, but we don’t recommend this type of training if you have significant injuries. On the other hand, this class is perfect if you want to improve strength, coordination and balance.
This 75-minute class offers you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the most sophisticated Pilates equipment, typically reserved for private sessions. You will discover: The Cadillac, The Reformer + Tower, The Jumpboard, The Pilates Chair, The Ladder Barrel, The Baby Arc…
We are making these devices accessible for group classes through a dynamic Pilates circuit training, limited to 10 participants. Each person will have the opportunity to practice a specific exercise at each station for approximately two minutes, with 15 seconds allotted for station changes. The class consists of three rounds.
The instructor will demonstrate and explain each exercise at the beginning of the session, providing variations to adjust the difficulty level according to your abilities. Throughout the class, they will guide you, correct your movements, and offer valuable advice to optimize your practice.
This class is suitable for anyone with a good overall level of fitness, without the need for prior Reformer initiation. Come and discover Pilates in a new, stimulating, and rewarding format!
Here are the benefits of Pilates Circuit training:
Strengthening of postural muscles: This class targets all major muscle groups. Postural muscles thus become stronger and more robust, providing essential support in everyday life.
Improvement of posture: The various Pilates exercises, performed on different machines, strengthen the back muscles and the spine. This helps to improve your posture and body stability.
Increase in mobility: Pilates places a special emphasis on spinal mobility by engaging the body’s core (the abdominals, also known as the “Power House”).
Better understanding of Pilates: Through Pilates Circuit training, you will not only learn how to use machines typically reserved for private classes, but you will also become familiar with their operation and the specific vocabulary of Pilates.
This one-hour class is divided into two distinct parts:
1st part: For 30 minutes, you will engage in standing cardiovascular and muscle strengthening exercises. During this initial phase, you will sweat and burn calories. We sometimes use various equipment (weights, bands, balls, etc.) to intensify the session, or simply your body weight.
2nd part: Over a duration of 20 to 25 minutes, you will focus on Pilates exercises on the floor, at a slower pace. You will perform movements that combine strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, body awareness, and breathing.
Finally, the class concludes with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching to help you relax.
Here are the benefits of the Pilates Cardio + class:
Big Ball Pilates is a fitness activity that combines the principles of Pilates with the use of a large exercise ball. This ball, often called a Swiss ball, provides unstable support, forcing the body’s stabilizing muscles to work harder to maintain balance during exercise.
This activity strengthens the core, also known as the “powerhouse” in Pilates. Exercises performed on the ball engage the deep muscles of the abdomen, back and stabilizing muscles, improving posture, stability and overall body strength.
Another interesting feature of this activity is that it develops coordination and balance. By performing exercises on an unstable support, the body must constantly adapt to maintain stability, which improves proprioception and movement coordination.
Finally, Pilates on a large ball is a fun and stimulating activity. Working with the ball adds a playful dimension to Pilates practice, which can make training more motivating and enjoyable.