THE PILATES METHOD
WHAT'S PILATES?
The method is practiced on a mat (with or without accessories) or on equipment, with the following objectives:
Deep muscle development
Posture improvement
Muscle balancing
Joint flexibility
THE BENEFITS OF PILATES
STUDIO VILLIERS PILATES lists 7 key benefits of regular Pilates practice, organized into two complementary categories — physical and mental:
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Body awareness through breathing, developing each individual's potential
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Strengthening the muscles that support the spine: abdominal muscles, muscles around the pelvis (core)
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Improved strength, flexibility, and therefore balance and posture
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Slimming the silhouette through overall muscle development
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Stress reduction, decreased fatigue
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Physical and mental stability, a sharper and more efficient mind
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Body/Mind/Spirit Balance
THE 6 PRINCIPLES
OF PILATES
BREATHING
CONCENTRATION
CONTROL
CENTER
FLUIDITY
PRECISION
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), a sick child who became a multidisciplinary athlete, developed his method during World War I by helping to rehabilitate prisoners of war.
He invented the reformer by attaching springs to a hospital bed. The effectiveness of his method was proven during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic.
The method is suitable for all audiences : men and women, athletes and non-athletes, seniors and teenagers.
It is often recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths to treat lower back pain, scoliosis, osteoarthritis and chronic pain.
PILATES: FOR WHOM?
The method is suitable for everyone, adapting to each individual according to their problem, personal goal, and physical condition.
Men and women, athletes and non-athletes, seniors and teenagers alike. It may involve treating or preventing chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, muscle tension); regaining physical ease after an accident or injury ; or providing support to a pregnant woman or one who has just given birth.
But Pilates also allows you to react to feelings of fatigue, stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Pilates treatment is often recommended by doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths and acupuncturists as one of the safest and most effective ways to strengthen the muscles needed to support the spine, hips, shoulders, knees and ankles.
Pilates is now part of rehabilitation programs in some hospitals in the United States, particularly in sports medicine . Its use helps relieve many types of lower back pain, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatic problems.
THE FEDERATIONS
FPMP : Fédération des Professionnels de la Méthode Pilates
Founded in 2011, the French Federation of Pilates Method Professionals (FPMP) brings together Pilates Method professionals certified by the FPMP and holding a professional qualification certificate validated by the French Federation of Sports for All, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, Youth, Popular Education, and Community Life. The Federation works to have the Pilates Method profession recognized by the government. It advocates for and promotes the development of high-quality Pilates.
Béatrice is a founding and active member of the board of directors. On June 15, 2026, the Federation implemented an AFNOR SPEC guide: "reference guide to good practices for Pilates teachers and studios".
We work to promote and defend the Art of Pilates.
STUDIO VILLIERS PILATES is affiliated with the FPMP.
