About Us
The Pilates People is the only fully equipped authentic pilates studio on the mornington peninsulaAuthentic Pilates – Original. As It Was, As It Should Be.
Hi there! It’s so nice to meet you.
Located on a tree filled property on the outskirts of Somerville, The Pilates People is the only fully equipped dedicated Authentic Pilates Studio on the Mornington Peninsula.
Whether you are starting at 70, are overcoming injury, or you’re an aspiring athlete looking to support your training, at The Pilates People EVERYBODY is welcome.
There are many “styles” of Pilates available today. Our classes draw on the Traditional Pilates Method (aka Contrology aka Classical Pilates,) the original form of Pilates as Joseph Pilates created it (and, in our opinion, the best and only true form of Pilates.)
Our equipment is state of the art, built by hand to Joe’s original specifications by Pilates Designs New York and Legacy Pilates Equipment. Some pieces you might be familiar with, the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Wunda Chair; others you may not, enter the Baby Chair, Pedi Pole, Electric Chair or the Toe Corrector to name a few!
Through our expertly led private and small group Pilates classes, you will find the freedom in movement. We believe in moving the body evenly to become a stronger and more flexible version of you! Expect detailed and individual direction complimented by evidence-based functional movement principles. from experienced instructors in an upbeat, good vibes studio.
Our culture is welcoming, inclusive and fun. We’re here to teach you stability, strength and flexibility with a sprinkling of laughter thrown in for good measure!
Why Authentic Pilates…
Pilates was created by German Anatomist Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century. It is a disciplined system of physical conditioning, executed through a series of precise, controlled movements. The Pilates Method targets all muscle groups in the body, it requires mindfulness and concentration to perform each exercise correctly whilst working on posture, functionality and flexibility.
Classical Pilates is considered to be the ‘truest form’ of Pilates practice – if you’re looking for authenticity, this might be where you want to start.
How is Classical Pilates different?
The original Classical Pilates order on the mat and reformer is a critical part of the system. The system is designed to move the body through a full range of movement in a flowing and structured workout. The transitions between the exercises are exercises in themselves and are important to keep the work seamless, fluid and efficient. Each exercise builds intelligently on the one before it, advancing from foundational exercises at the beginning of ‘the order’ to more complex exercises as you gain strength and control.
True Pilates requires focus and concentration so that you know what’s coming next. When you know your order you are free to focus on form. Classical Pilates has flow and efficiency, it is dynamic and will build cardiovascular strength and stamina – yes, you will sweat!
Classical teachers are required to go through a rigorous training program, with a minimum of 600 hours of training/apprenticeship, under teachers who are within the direct lineage of Joseph Pilates.
So much more than the Reformer
Classical Pilates is designed to work the body more efficiently.
Using the full system, including ALL of the different apparatus, your body is provided with the tools it needs to facilitate movement from the correct place – your core! (Side note: this is SO MUCH MORE than your six pack). The work is balanced between strength and flexibility, as it is when these elements in the body are imbalanced that injury occurs.
In addition to the commonly known Reformer, there are many pieces of functional Pilates apparatus including chairs, towers, toe and foot correctors, neck tensometers and spine correctors! Each piece forms a specific link in the system and has its own unique series of exercises. Taught together, each piece of apparatus will improve the work on the next, it is a powerful and intricate system just like the human body.
Our People
Hi, I’m Kim Rowe, the founder of The Pilates People. I’m a Mum, dog lover, a passionate Peninsula local, and a self confessed Pilates Nut!
I took to Pilates at age 16 as a way of centering myself during the challenging and busy years of VCE. At the same time I rode horses competitively and found the unique strength that Mat Pilates gave my body assisted my competition performance.
Life, my 20’s and many an R’n’B Friday later I suffered a spinal injury while on a jet ski which left me with extraordinary back pain and to be quite frank, a fear of movement, it hurt! Enter equipment based Pilates, a road to recovery and a new found love, respect and curiosity for this seemingly miraculous form of exercise.
My studies started with a clinical focus, the more I learned the more I wanted to know. Eventually as an already qualified Pilates teacher I discovered Classical Pilates, and from there I’ve never looked back. Everything I had learned previously finally came together. I understood there was a reason the exercises were created and why the equipment was there; how it is really used within a proven system to strengthen and align the body. For me,it will be a lifelong journey of learning, growing and understanding. There is nothing quite like the original Pilates Method. (see, I told you, I’m a nut!)
My primary goal for The Pilates People is to share this extraordinary form of Pilates with you. To help your body become strong and able, and for the studio to be accessible, fun and a place you can come to kick goals!
Pilates has helped my own body and mind through times of stress, anxiety, injury and pregnancy. I believe it can become an integrated part of the way you move, think and feel and a tool to support your journey “back to health.”
I’m excited to share my love of Pilates with you and invite you to come and try ‘The Method’ for yourself. Feel the Difference. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
