Fitness Center
Pilates Program

Lindsay, one of our pilates instructorsDeveloped in the late 1930’s as a system of rehabilitative exercise for dancers, Pilates focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles that keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support for the spine. Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, agility and economy of motion. Initially dubbed “Contrology” by Joseph and Clara Pilates, Pilates exercise focuses on breath awareness as a means of encouraging the mind to control the muscles.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967, having left no direct line of succession to the exercise system he created. However the practice of Pilates remains more popular than ever. Winthrop Fitness offers Pilates instruction in both the authentic method founded by Joseph Pilates, and the Stott method, founded by physical therapist Moira Merrithew Stott. Both methods honor the original names, breathing patterns, and execution of the exercises created by Joseph Pilates. The Stott method has evolved the practice to include additional modifications to address advances in our understanding of physiology and kinesiology.

Mat Work
Winthrop Fitness offers a variety of PilatesPilates class offerings on the mat, including 4 drop-in classes per week and a revolving array of series classes

Drop-In classes are included in fitness center membership. Completion of an “intro series” or approval by one of our instructors following private sessions is required. If you have previous experience, please talk with an instructor prior to attending.

Series classes are specialty classes that are offered periodically to enhance your Pilates experience. Sign-ups are posted at the front desk, and an additional fee is required.

Intro series classes are offered as a series of 8 classes over 8 weeks throughout the year. This class will familiarize you with the basic principles of Pilates and introduce you to the essential exercises.


About our instructor

Lindsay Picolet received her Pilates training in London and New York, including extensive training in both mat and Reformer at the Joseph Pilates studio. With over 500 studio hours under her belt, Lindsay has evolved her teaching methods to reflect a more free-form, creative style of Pilates that is both challenging and effective.