Pilates is our foundation.
Pilates has been at the heart of MatWorkz since we opened our doors in 1999. Joseph Pilates built this system nearly a century ago on a simple belief: that thoughtful, controlled movement could transform how a person lives in their body. We continue to honor that work in everything we teach.
Every lesson at MatWorkz begins with listening, to you — to how you’re moving, how you’re feeling, and what your body needs that day. Our instructors bring comprehensive Pilates training and decades of practical experience, but what shapes each lesson isn’t a fixed routine — it’s you. Through our Body Awareness approach, we help you understand not just how to perform an exercise, but how your body organizes and responds as you move.
That understanding is where lasting change begins. Working one-on-one with our instructors, clients build strength, recover from injury, and move through daily life with more ease and confidence — not by following a program, but by learning to move well.
A Brief History of Joseph Pilates Method
The Pilates method (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) of body conditioning, formally known as Contrology, was developed in the 1920s by the legendary German physical trainer Joseph Hubertus Pilates (December 9, 1880-October 9, 1967).
A submaximal form of training (10 max repetition), Joe’s system was designed to improve the body’s flexibility, strength and endurance. The mind is conditioned and focused through “the art of controlled movement”.
The foundation of Joseph Pilates’ work is his Mat (floor) work, where the weight of the arms and the legs challenges the torso through a set of progressively complex movements. As he continued to develop his system, he designed unique spring resistance equipment, barrels, and “magic circles,” which have hence been integrated into the modern studio environment.
It is through developing the body uniformly, as well as honing mental focus, that Pilates has gained notoriety. The application of Pilates for elite athletes – as well as in physical therapy – has established its validity and versatility across the world, where it continues to grow.
MATWORKZ PILATES
Experience the power of Pilates in our warm and inviting studio featuring Gratz Pilates equipment https://www.gratzpilates.com– and work with one of our talented instructors in an individual or group class.
Reformer Pilates
MatWorkz Pilates studio offers the complete line of Gratz Pilates https://www.gratzpilates.com Reformer equipment
Reformer Pilates is practiced using the Pilates Reformer, a spring-resistance machine that adapts to a wide range of goals and abilities. Its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years, but at MatWorkz, it’s one part of a broader, more intricate system — not a stand-alone workout. Depending on what your body needs, the Reformer can be used dynamically and intensively to build strength, or gently and supportively for rehabilitation and recovery. In every private lesson, we adjust the Reformer’s use to fit you, not the other way around.
From the Blog
GYROTONIC® vs Pilates: Which Mind-Body Method Is Right for You? April 2026
When comparing GYROTONIC® vs Pilates, both have dedicated followings, specialized equipment, and deep philosophical roots in mindful, controlled movement. But they’re quite different and both are evolving rapidly. Here’s what you need to know to choose. The Core Difference Pilates, created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, emphasizes controlled, precise movement with a strong focus…
Continue Reading GYROTONIC® vs Pilates: Which Mind-Body Method Is Right for You? April 2026
