The method of Pilates - or ‘Contrology’ as it was originally named - came from Joseph Pilates in the 20th century. Having been a sickly child, he went out of his way to perfect his body and, through his obsession with various fitness methods, you could argue he managed that very well as he was later used as a model for fitness and anatomy manuals. He gained notoriety in the dance community in New York where he trained a huge proportion of artists in major theatre companies. He developed both a ‘mat’ and ‘machine’ method to get the best work out of the body so that it could be more effective in other areas of fitness, dance and sport. Since his death in 60’s, the method has remained popular and has grown to become a worldwide phenomenon. Pilates is widely hailed due to its ability to improve postural and muscular awareness, train your centre and use breath-work giving an overall workout to mind and body.

A Note on the Class Style

There have been many different ways to approach Pilates. Some maintain the sequence of the original 27 mat work movements which are written in Joseph Pilates’ only publication. Others focus on a more modern, fitness-based approach. This class will go more towards the contemporary style. In Aimee’s eyes, it is important to maintain the intention of the movements we have been given by Pilates but focus on the postural and muscular deficits we get from our fast-paced, 21st century lives. The method challenges the body through stability and mobility movements so that your body can be more effective doing any other form of movement. 

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About Aimeé

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Aimee started practicing Pilates in her final year undertaking a Psychology degree. Having been brought up dancing, Aimee felt Pilates was unlike anything else in it’s ability to leave you feeling worked out, yet so at peace after a session. There’s an undeniable link between physical and mental fitness which is crucial during our busy lives. Upon completing her degree, Aimee went to her first Pilates retreat on the island of Kefalonia so you could say it was very apt that her career in Pilates brought her back to Athens only a year later! Here, in this vibrant city, she completed training in mat work and equipment methods with MK Pilates. She very quickly went on to assist and teach sessions with the directors of the company to other Pilates teachers from all over Greece. Her philosophy with the method is that every session should be an opportunity to empower followers to know their body and feel lengthened, strong and at peace by the end.