The Mill Valley Health Club has offered the most comprehensive and unique Pilates program in the Bay Area for over 13 years. We provide superior instruction for the widest variety of clientele. Our program is distinguished by focusing on the original method presented within the context of a full-fitness program, and is supported by a fully equipped health club. Instruction in the Pilates studio incorporates current trends in biomechanics and innovations with the use of props. All new members are evaluated and provided a set–up program in both Pilates and fitness including cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training, balance and coordination.

What is the Pilates Method?
The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph H. Pilates over 80 years ago. He created an exercise system combining Eastern and Western disciplines with his own style of equipment. Pilates is a mind body discipline that focuses on muscle function and form. Exercises are designed to teach motor control. A Pilates workout is based on variable, spring-loaded resistance instead of weights. With springs, muscle tension cannot be pre-set, and an ongoing response to the ever changing spring tension demands incredibly fast neuro-muscular response time. Lying, sitting, kneeling and standing, you work many muscle groups at the same time rather than one isolated group.

At MVHC, you can expect an authentic Pilates experience utilizing all the apparatus. 55 minute sessions are incorporated into a well-paced, invigorating workout with full attention to the six principles developed by Joseph Pilates: concentration, control, precision, centering, breathing, and flowing motion.

What are the benefits of studying the Pilates Method?
Pilates training and. Pilates training develops a high degree of abdominal and back strength, activates the deep, core skeletal muscles, enhances suppleness of the spine and limbs and strengthens overall by increasing neuro-muscular coordination.

By studying the Pilates Method you will gain a cognitive understanding of how the body and mind work together to generate movement of specific muscles, as well as reverse the detrimental effects of timeworn patterning. It is excellent for elite athletic conditioning, improving overall quality of life, rehabilitating and preventing injuries.