Meridian Pilates is a small studio in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC dedicated to teaching the methods of Joseph H. Pilates. The foundation of our programs can be best summed up by quoting Joseph Pilates from one of his books:

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks."

Pilates originally termed his system of exercises "Contrology", describing the basic purpose of practicing the method, which was to achieve "complete coordination of body, mind and spirit". "Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities". The method has since come to be known simply as Pilates, and has gained worldwide recognition as an efficient method for promoting physical fitness.

At Meridian Pilates we are fully equipped with Reformer, Mats, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Chair and small Barrels, all specific equipment that Joseph Pilates developed. All of our instructors have completed training programs to teach on all of the equipment. They are also experienced practitioners of the method themselves, and keep up a regular practice for their own development.

We offer several different types of classes (see Classes), all of them limited in size from four to ten participants, depending on the type of class. This is because we believe that all students benefit from receiving individual corrections within each class, which can only be done when the classes remain small. We believe that there are profound effects on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health that occur when his or her attention is drawn to the unconscious movement patterns that may be causing pain, or hindering true strength.

NEW SPRING/SUMMER SERIES CLASSES (see schedule)

Quoted from "Pilates' Return To Life Through Contrology" by Joseph H. Pilates and William John Miller, 1998 Edition Updated by Judd Robbins and Lin Van Heuit-Robbins, published by Presentation Dynamics. (First published in 1945 by J.J. Augustin, entitled "Return to Life Through Contrology")