My afternoon doing Classical Pilates in Saint-Gilles

I lie flat on my back, bare feet pushing against a spring-loaded bar as Marianna gives me gentle but precise instructions about the position of my limbs.

This is my first attempt at Classical Pilates, and I quickly discover that the apparently simple movements require a surprising amount of strength and concentration.

Located in Saint-Gilles, Pilates School of Movement is an intimate studio dedicated to the method developed by Joseph Pilates.

Discovering Pilates

Marianna (pictured above) discovered Pilates almost 20 years ago, after initially studying literature. It became part of her own physical and mental journey and eventually led her to open the studio.

“I realised that I actually enjoyed giving something back. My favourite bit is seeing people smile and improve as they progress with the exercises,” she says.

The studio has a cosy setting, with classes capped at five people. The teachers train for 18 to 24 months in the Classical method, allowing them to closely observe each student’s movements and make precise individual corrections.

“Classical Pilates is about focus and precision, so it is important for teachers to carefully see how each person is moving, give personal corrections and help them improve,” explains Marianna.

Private sessions are also available for people recovering from an injury or operation.

There is no music during the classes. Instead, students follow their breathing and stay focused on the movement and technique. I soon discover how much concentration this requires.

An intimate urban sanctuary

I move to an apparatus named “The Cadillac” (pictured above) overlooking a leafy courtyard. The equipment was delivered from the US by Gratz, the original manufacturer.

Marianna gives me a stirrup handle and asks me to keep my arm flexed while pressing my shoulder down.

It looks simple. It isn't. With her continual encouragement, I eventually feel the telltale burning sensation in the targeted muscle.

For Marianna, the Pilates experience extends beyond the physical practice. Getting to know the people who come to the studio is an important part of her approach.

“We love getting to know our community, not only to understand their physical condition, but also to build a real relationship with everyone,” she says.

The studio organises informal gatherings such as meditation sessions and tea tastings. Around half of its clients are expats, and classes are generally in English, depending on the teacher.

There is a style of Pilates for everybody

For Marianna, finding the right approach to Pilates is personal. Her studio is centred on the Classical method, with technique, concentration and community at its core.

New students are encouraged to start with Level 1 for at least a couple of classes, giving them time to learn the method and allowing teachers to understand how they move.

Marianna also sees Pilates as a complement to other sports and is keen to point out that the exercises can be done by everyone.

“Joseph Pilates was a boxer and bodybuilder. These can be very challenging exercises also for men. Once they get the hang of it, they love it and tend to be excellent students. But the exercises can also be adapted for anyone who needs more support and time,” she adds.

Body and mind

Marianna sees Pilates as a practice that connects physical and mental wellbeing. The controlled movements work the deep muscles that support posture and alignment, while the concentration and breathing bring a sense of calm similar to mindfulness.

“Everything is connected in your body.”

On the wall are photographs of Joseph Pilates in action, a reminder of the philosophy behind the method and his aim of helping people feel mentally and physically healthy.

After just one session, I leave feeling taller, more aware of my posture and breathing, and with a sense of the precision and concentration that lie at the heart of the method.

Pilates School of Movement
Chaussée de Charleroi 173
Saint-Gilles
info@pilateschool.be
+32 (0)2 520 05 14
Instagram: Pilatesschoolbrussels