How to Fall in Love With a Machine: Getting to Know Joseph Pilates' Exercise Equipment

| Print Post This | Like (1) | Comments (0)

TO MANY FOLKS today, Pilates is something you do on a squishy rectangle on the floor. But back in Joseph Pilates' time, the idea of a mat class didn't exist, explains Karen Garcia, founder of Studio Body Logic (in Arlington and Alexandria, Studiobodylogic.com, pictured above). "It was developed so a large number of people could do the work at home," she says.

So, it's up to facilities such as hers and Balance (in Bethesda and Rockville, Balancestudio.com) to house the equipment that's the true basis of the system, and teach people how to properly use it in order to get the strong and flexible body Pilates promises. "The emphasis isn't using the apparatus. It's what are we working on and how do we get there?" says Balance owner Susan Burns.

The route often begins with courses on how to use these funny shaped machines. At Studio Body Logic, that starts with "Intro to Apparatus," a four-week class held every month. (The next session begins Sept. 3.) Balance offers "Fundamentals of Equipment" several times per week. Take four of those and you're invited to move up to a beginner equipment class.

If you're feeling wary about making an investment in something you don't understand, sign up for one of Studio Body Logic's free open houses in Alexandria (Aug. 17, 24 and 31 at 6:15 p.m., reserve by calling 703-739-7601) for a mat class and a chance to meet some of the machines.

Photos by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post