When it comes to a Pilates workout, people are either diehard, dedicated fans or have no clue what it actually is. If you’re either of those people, this article should find you well. Our Jersey City contributor, Jen, has rounded up the best Pilates studios in Jersey City {but first, she’s giving you a mini history lesson on the workout}. So listen up, and get to class — here are our picks for Pilates studios in Jersey City:
The History:
Few people know the history of Pilates. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany to an award-winning gymnast. Suffering from various ailments, Pilate took an interest in natural healing. Studying wild animals along with both Eastern {yoga, martial art}) and Western {boxing, gymnastics} exercise modalities, Pilates slowly developed the Pilates method. He not only healed himself but sculpted his body such that he actually posed for anatomical charts.
When Britain entered World War I, Pilates was imprisoned as an enemy alien due to his German citizenship. While at the internment camp, Pilates really honed his method, rigging the bunk beds to use the springs in order to rehabilitate the sick and bedridden. His students all survived the deadly influenza outbreak in 1918 that many succumbed to. When the war was over, Pilates went back to Germany to train police officers and dance & movement experts. When he was pressured to train the German army, Pilates and his wife immigrated to New York. Thanks to their immigration to New York, Jersey City has some of the most impressive Pilates studios in the New York area — check out some of them below:
Pilates Haus {155 2nd Street}
The longest running Pilates studio in Jersey City, Pilates Haus is owned and operated by former professional dancers, Brett Howard and his partner Tetsuo Yoshida. Brett Howard is a master Pilates instructor, recognized in the Pilates industry as an expert in the Joseph Pilates Archival Exercises, teaching worldwide when he’s not in the studio. A teacher for the New York Pilates Studio Teacher Certification Program, the first and oldest professional Pilates training program in the world, Brett only employs authentic Pilates certified instructors at Pilates Haus. Open 7 days a week, Pilates Haus offers private, semi-private and group mat & tower classes. Also offered upon request are special group, Mommy & Me, Kids Pilates, and Outreach classes.
Powerhouse Pilates {Brunswick Center, 189 Brunswick Street, 3rd Floor}
Owned by Morwen Banq, a former professional dancer and student of both Brett Howard and master teacher trainer Romana Kryzanowska at the legendary Pilates studio in New York City, Powerhouse Pilates specializes in personalized instruction. Services include both private and semi-private reformer & tower classes. Mat classes are limited to only four students to ensure proper instruction and injury prevention. Take advantage of their unbeatable introductory package of 3 private reformer sessions for only $99. Bonus: Morwen is fluent in both English and French.
READ: All About Bum Pilates in Downtown Hoboken {A Review}
Project Pilates {231 Pavonia Avenue}
Owned by a former dancer (notice a pattern?), Project Pilates is run by Christie Freeman, who also owns and operates Hamilton Health & Fitness gym next door. While studying dance at California State University, Christie discovered the power of Pilates while working in the dance department’s physical therapy room, which was outfitted with Pilates equipment. Christie’s interest in the healing benefits of Pilates led her to study extensively under doctors and prenatal Pilates experts. Unique in its approach, Project Pilates offers open mat classes as well as equipment classes based on level. Levels include Beginner, Beginner-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Intermediate-Advanced. Also offered is a Bones Building Circuit open to all ages, which focuses on building bone density while strengthening your core and toning & lengthening your muscles. Prenatal and postnatal private and semi-private classes are offered as well. Unlike any other Pilates studio in Jersey City, students have immediate access before or after Pilates class to Hamilton Health & Fitness gym next door, which is equipped with a sauna, steam room, lap pool and child care room.
Eight Springs Studio {300 Coles Street}
Pilates on steroids — Eight Springs Studio offers classes on their infamous megaformers. Megaformers consist of 8 springs {hence the name of the studio} versus the traditional 4 springs on the traditional Pilates reformers, allowing for double the resistance and intensity. Not only is this class strengthening and lengthening, which Pilates is known for, but it also focuses on elevating your heart rate for a well-rounded transformative workout! In addition to private, semi-private and group megaformer classes, Eight Springs also offers TRX {a navy seals-approved strength training workout using your body weight and gravity}, Total Body Sculpt and Yoga classes. Don’t be intimidated, all fitness levels are welcome.
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Where’s your favorite Pilates spot in the area? Share with us in the comments below!
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