Pilates

The Pilates Method was developed in 1926 by Joseph Hubertus Pilates (pronounced Puh-LAH-tees). It combines the mental focus of Eastern disciplines such as Yoga and Tai Chi with Western emphasis on strength and stamina.  The key principles of Pilates are control, concentration, centering, flow, precision and breath. Emphasizing proper breathing, alignment of the body, and mental focus, the controlled series of rhythmic, balanced movements uniformly develop the body. With a key emphasis on core conditioning, the exercises are designed to strengthen and elongate the muscles without adding bulk, increase flexibility and joint mobility, realign the skeletal system for better postural alignment, improve balance, coordination, and increase bone density.

Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once, in smooth, continuous movements. The exercises are progressive, and become more complex and challenging as the client advances. It is a safe and effective system of exercise, that can be adapted to each individuals level of proficiency regardless of age, gender, or level of fitness. By developing proper technique, Pilates retrains the entire body to work more efficiently, helping you to safely enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury. The effects are not just physical, but leave you feeling energized and with a profound sense of well being!

Phyllis Douglass is a Nationally Certified Pilates Trainer (CPT) through the Pilates Method Alliance, a Post Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (Pink Ribbon Program), and Certified TRX Suspension Trainer. She teaches primarily in the Classical Pilates tradition focused on the original Pilates Method as developed by Joseph Pilates, and has studied through apprenticeship and intensively with Siri Dharma Galliano, Peter Fiasca, and first generation Pilates elders Jay Grimes, Kathy Grant, Mary Bowen, and Ron Fletcher. She received her Pilates certification through the teacher training program at Long Beach Dance Conditioning & Movement Academy with master teacher, Marie Jose Blom-Lawrence, and studied with Rael Isacowitz (BASI), among others and sustains her education and training with yearly study through conferences, and workshops

Mindful that the concept of Pilates is that the body functions holistically, her objective is to restore the body to a place of balance physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Presently Phyllis owns and teaches Pilates at Equilibrium Fitness - The Center of Pilates and Movement in La Verne, CA.