Blog

Last month, I started listening to the audiobook Strong Ground. The author, Brene Brown, is one of my favorites, particularly when I need some motivation, inspiration, and positive self-talk. I was immediately captivated, as she has a way of doing, and I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life, the trajectory it had taken, and, of course, my pilates practice within that. Spoiler alert, Brene Brown and I are pretty close in age, and in that ‘sandwich generation’ phase of life. At the beg

Cheryl Turnquist

As Pilates continues to evolve, conversations around its origins and interpretation have become quite the topic of debate for those in the industry. At the heart of this discussion is the legacy of Joseph Pilates and his original Method, Contrology. At Power Pilates, we teach the work as it was originally passed down through his protégé, Romana Kryzanowska. While contemporary Pilates embraces creativity and the fusion of other fitness methods, it can sometimes drift away from expressing the

Michelle DuVall

Clients often look at the springs and wonder if adding more will make the work harder. They compare Mat to the Reformer, or Pilates to lifting weights, searching for a clear measure of intensity. But in Pilates, intensity is not simply about more springs, faster movement, or more sweat. What we are really seeking is challenge. The Pilates Method challenges and develops the body’s Stability, Strength, Stamina, and Stretch: The Four S’s of Pilates. Why Pilates Uses Springs Springs app

Bethanie Buckingham

Interested in deepening your understanding of postnatal Pilates? We offer a dedicated workshop designed to support instructors working with postnatal clients. Learn more about the Postnatal Pilates Workshop. Returning to Pilates after childbirth is a journey, not a destination, filled with unique considerations, challenges, emotions, and personal wins. As Pilates instructors, we have the privilege of guiding new mothers through this transformative period, helping them reconnect with their bod

Michelle Duvall

Our breath is the foundation of our lives. Breathing is one of the first actions we do on our own after our bodies are birthed and one of the last actions we do as we exit the body. Our breath has the power to set the tone for how we respond or react to each and every moment we are facing, no matter what is happening within us, to us, or around us. Without our breath, we wouldn’t be here. It’s no surprise that Joe Pilates, being the genius that he was, said, “Above all, learn how to brea

Aubrey Mock Johnson

Anxiety and depression are often discussed in emotional or psychological terms, but their effects extend far beyond the mind. They influence the body on a physiological level, shaping how we function, recover, and respond to stress. To fully understand how movement and exercise can serve as powerful tools for support, it is essential to explore how these conditions impact the body itself. First, let’s understand the physiological impact of anxiety and depression (A&D). These conditions

Kim Casto

PilatesCon 2025: An Immersive Experience in Classical Pilates Education What a weekend! PilatesCon 2025 brought teachers and movers together around a shared commitment to learning, refinement, and growth. Across three days, the focus stayed firmly on education that was intentional and rooted in the Classical Method, while also serving as a powerful reminder of the strength, connection, and shared purpose that live at the heart of the work. The experience didn't just inspire in the momen

Insights Team

In the 1960s, Joseph Pilates began working with dancers - making his mark on the world of athletes. Since then, dancers, runners, and swimmers alike, have begun to use the method to enhance their performance, prevent injury, and assist their recovery process. Pilates can benefit any athlete, from amateur to professional. Here's our roundup of Olympic athletes that know and love the method as much as we do. Discover how Pilates has helped these professionals in their career and beyond. Aly

Insights Team

Master Teacher Trainer, Cheryl Turnquist, has been Power Pilates certified since 2006. She shares her expertise and explains how Pilates can complement an athlete's training and be used as a rehabilitative tool. In this Q&A style interview, Cheryl explores how renowned athletes can improve their technique and enhance their performance using the classical Pilates method. TRACK & FIELD Q: Running is a high impact sport requiring proper technique and form, whether done at the Professional or

Insights Team

One of the interesting concepts of the Classical Pilates work that we practice and teach is something that we refer to as the 4 S's. I have found that, as instructors, we don't actually discuss these S's with our clients, but we are always thinking of them when we are working with you. These S's are: Strength, Stamina, Stretch, and Stability. We learn that the system of Pilates and all of the exercises inadvertently work all of these skills. And then, in a private session, we often think of

Cheryl Turnquist

Imagine. Your Next Personal Challenge. Conquering... 5 Classic Machines. First - The Mat Simple it seems. But ever so challenging. Here, you achieve your ideal... in form. in strength, with elegance crafting your perfect you. Click here to learn about The Reformer The world's essential strengthening, lengthening, lean machine. Become stronger, more slender... transformed. Concentrate. Take control. Click here to learn about The Wunda Chair Not just any chair. Simply th

Insights Team

Joseph Pilates, the man, his life and inventions have become the subject of significant lore as to keep his impact and significance fresh, vital and pertinent over time. His mystique is explained best by listening to the many fascinating stories told by those who knew him and his most favored students best. In the spirit of this pageantry, Power Pilates has created a series of short videos adapted from oral histories that help to explain the global significance of the works created by this

Insights Team

We all have concerns about bodies not being what we wish and many of us have endeavored to rid ourselves of negative self-talk. How life would be better if only (fill in the blank) was different. This distortion coupled with media and cultural expectations can result unrealistic expectations about the investment in physical movement. Now think about walking into a Pilates studio for the first time with (horrors!) mirrors, fit ladies in black leggings who seem perfect and intimidating looking

Ellen Weaver Paquette

This year I set an intention for myself to take at least one private session each week with various instructors that work at the studio and at other studios that I love to visit. As a teacher of Pilates, I often get caught up in teaching so much that I sacrifice my own workouts and well being. So, my team and I have really been stepping up our game by working together, working out, and... just doing the classical Pilates work... and we are loving every minute of it! Making this commitment has

Cheryl Turnquist

Putting yourself in the most difficult positions you can and posting it on Instagram is a really popular yogi thing to do. But if we're being honest, we all love seeing folks achieve really super advanced feats. Here is a list of some of the most awesome Classical Pilates exercises you'll see any Pilates practitioner or teacher achieve. These exercises are not for everyone - even for those who pride themselves in being among the strongest and most bendy in their classes. So be warned, these are

Insights Team

Let's face it, the Pilates method is far from just any ordinary workout. What is it? Is it like Yoga? Is it resistance training? Personal training? Is it stretching? Is it graceful and controlled like ballet? Is it physical therapy? Yes, yes and more yes. The focus however is on continual movement from the core. It is a mindful, whole body experience that balances every cell in your being! It cleanses your soul and revitalizes your body, mind, and spirit. The very mobilization of your

Lesly Levy

Back pain is a very complicated topic. Many people suffer daily from some degree of undefinied back pain while other people have specific issues such as herniated or ruptured discs, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis or Spinal Stenosis to name a few. Sometimes back pain can radiate from areas in the hips, for example Sciatica or can be a result of ITB band syndrome which is a tightening of specific muscles in the legs. The type and amount of physcial activity you can engage in will depend upon what cond

Jordana Herman

You put in all the apprentice hours at the studio. You studied, worked out every day, and taught friends, family, and complete strangers for next to nothing. You were tested, evaluated, questioned, and tested again. Now, finally, you have your teaching certificate and your long journey is over. Or is it? To keep yourself sane during this exciting transition to full-fledged teacher, here are some things to remember as you venture into the pilates world: 1.Keep the Manual Handy! What? A

Bonnie Grove

What do you remember about the first time you tried Pilates? It was in 1999 in the basement of someone's house where she had 2 reformers, one tower, and a chair. There were only 3 Pilates instructors at the time in Rhode Island, and it was hard to get sessions with any of them. It was a very strange experience for sure and we left asking each other... what was that? What is this all about? And when can we go back for more? What is a misconception about Pilates you want to clarify?

Cheryl Turnquist