«The physical fitness is the first requisite for happiness» is the guiding principle to Vero Pilates, founded and run by Sonja Gerber and Elio Dalla Giovanna, both certified by Romana Kryzanowska, protégé of Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates is exercise. It is a method of body conditioning created by Joseph Pilates. The Pilates method trains the mind and body together toward the goal of overall fitness. In three words it is stretch, strength and control, all at the same time.
Why the original?
Tried and tested for over 80 years, True Pilates method is still the perfect exercise regimen that gets long-lasting results. Challenge yourself – physically and mentally. It is a unique and powerful method that has stood the test of time and really does deliver results. At Vero Pilates we offer only the genuine Pilates method and we use apparatus built from the original design specifications and mechanics of Joseph Pilates’ own equipment. All of our instructors have undergone over 700 hours of training and extensive testing, and all have been certified by Romana Kryzanowska.
What is Pilates for?
Pilates is the godfather of core strength training. More specifically, the core are the muscles that support your spine and include the muscles of your shoulder girdle, pelvis, and abdominal area. People typically think “Abs” but it is much more than that. In the abdominal area, the muscles worked are the rectus abdominus, obliques, transversus abdominus, spinal extensors and pelvic floor. These muscles commonly known as your powerhouse, in addition to your shoulder girdle and pelvis are connected and working (or should be) the entire time you are in a Pilates class. Working those muscles will improve your posture, overall health and well being.
Who can do Pilates?
The True Pilates method is for everyone no matter from which background you are coming: business or working people, athletes, performers and artists, fitness instructors, mothers, teenagers and seniors, you are welcome to try it out ! Anyone can do it. Regardless of your physical ability, whether you are young and limber or older and inflexible, the Pilates method teaches you a way of life. You sit better, you sleep better, you stand better, and you feel more in control of your body.
Joseph Pilates
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany, in 1880. A sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Joe studied body building and gymnastics and by the age of 14 was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts.
In 1912 he moved to England earning a living as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer. During World War I he was interned with other German citizens in a camp near Lancaster where he trained other inmates in fitness and exercises. It was here that the beginings of the True Pilates Method began to take shape.
After the War, Pilates emigrated to the Unites States. On the ship to America he met his future wife Clara. The couple founded a studio in New York City and directly taught and supervised their students well into the 1960’s. Pilates and his method, which he and Clara called “Contrology”, soon established a following in the dance and the performing arts community. From their point of view, “Contrology” is the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Well- known dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham became devotees and sent their students to them for training. Pilates practiced what he preached and lived a long, healthy life.
He died in 1967 at the age of 87. Today, Pilates is practiced around the world by athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, as well as the general public.
Romana Kryzanowska, represents today the direct line of the teaching of J. Pilates and is the world-renowed protégé of Joseph Pilates. She has been teaching the method for nearly six decades, made a commitment to continue their life work, and till today she travels all over the world and teaches the next generation of instructors.
Romana Kryzanowska
Romana Kryzanowska represented the direct line of the teaching of J. Pilates and was the world-renowed protégé of Joseph Pilates. She has been teaching the method for nearly six decades, made a commitment to continue their life work, and till her death in the Year 2013, she has been traveling all over the world and taught the next generation of instructors.
Learn more about Romana’s teaching at www.romanaspilates.com