Clara (a nurse), led to the development of his conditioning system. More then 70 years later, his techniques became the cornerstone of the Pilates method. 

In the 1960's, Pilates' students began to open their own conditioning studios. This first generation of instructors combined Pilates' principles with their own interpretations and knowledge gained from others. In 1967 the movement took on an explosive leap forward when Ron Fletcher moved to Los Angeles. Fletcher, a dancer, possessed deep knowledge of the method and added many of his own important contributions.

Fletcher's presence and influence produced a steady stream of instructors who carried the principles throughout California, Texas, Colorado, and ultimately, the world. Today, the vast majority of instructors can trace their origins to Fletcher's Los Angeles studio.

In New York City, and in many international communities, growth of the method can be traced to Carrolla Trier, Kathy Stanford-Grant, Eve Gentry, Romana Kryzanowska and other original students of Joseph Pilates.  Pilates is a method of exercise in physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body . With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.

Pilates exercises developed exceptional coordination, agility, and strength for various sports and activities including: golf, tennis, dance, figure skating/hockey, swimming, baseball/softball, football, gymnastics, soccer, horse back riding, and competition cheerleading. 

As a matter of fact, Pilates is one of the primary tools that many top-level golfers use to get an edge on the competition.  Such golfers as: David Duval, Tiger Woods, Annika Sorentam and Rocco Mediate have all become disciples of the mind and body technique.  So it is no wonder that Pilates eclectic blend of mind and body exercises the techniques that focus on conditioning a person's powerhouse/core, is taking the golf world by storm. 

It is our goal at the Fitness Institute & Pilates Studio to create for you a comprehensive movement experience that will allow you to increase the quality of life through coordination of the body, mind and spirit in a safe, state of the art environment offering you the most experienced and best trained Pilates teachers in Western New York. 

In our Pilates Store we offer a full line of Pilates equipment for sale through Balanced Body Inc.  Training and set up can be arranged through the Fitness Institute and Pilates Studio.  Equipment can be viewed at any time or demonstrated by appointment.