The Authentic Pilates Method is based on six key principles: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow. When all principles work together, optimal physical and mental health is achieved.

But Pilates is much more than the 60 minutes, two times a week, in which you participate with your trainer. It is a way in which to live your life more efficiently. The real practice of Pilates happens each and every day outside of the studio. Whether you are getting into or out of your car, or you are training for a triathalon, it is the mindful awareness one possesses while moving through daily activities.

Today more than any other time in history our lives are busy and complicated, and we all find ourselves out of mental and physical balance. Pilates is a proven method to recenter our minds as well as our bodies. The main component in living a long and successful life is having balance in all aspects of life. Continual practice of Pilates will always bring you back to your center.

There is nothing better than to feel long and lean, healthy and toned. Pilates gives you the opportunity to successfully achieve these goals. Here at The Abigail Stowe Studio it's our goal to help each individual do so through personalized instruction.

My journey with Pilates began at a time of physical and spiritual exhaustion. The punishing schedule and diminishing satisfaction I found in my career in film and television had left me feeling disconnected from my body and my needs. I was at crossroads and wildly out of alignment; I was in no shape to become any version of the person I was meant to be.

Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” His message couldn’t have come at a better time. After a lifetime of developing the practice he called Contrology, Joseph Pilates wrote down his philosophy and techniques in the book, Return to Life. For me, this was exactly what my practice in Pilates would become.

The structure, precision, and the six principles resonated with me deeply for reasons I remember clearly. Working with a new student never fails to remind me of the first few weeks and months of my own practice, a time when I felt exhilarated as well as nervous. I believed in the principles, but my new-found dedication to Pilates still felt a leap of faith.

The great rewards of the practice come only by committing to the journey and that commitment requires trust in the method, in your body and in yourself. Having now taught Pilates for over ten years, I know for sure that this leap of faith is worth it every time and in every case.

When I first signed up for teacher training at True Pilates it wasn’t with the goal of becoming a teacher. I was simply eager to learn everything I could about classical Pilates. And yet, the more I learned, the more excited I became to share my experience. In this way, my path to becoming a teacher evolved organically. Teaching is a tremendous responsibility and I have always been determined to do it well. Over the span of a decade I’ve learned that teaching is very different than sharing—but also much more rewarding.

Helping people to discover their athletic abilities is inspiring work. The Pilates method is available to people of every age and level of physical ability, from professional athletes to people struggling with physical challenges. The commitment my clients have to the practice transforms them from the inside out. I see them become more confident, resilient and excited about life. It’s an honour to be part of this.