What Is Pilates?
Authentic Joseph Pilates Method
Pilates was designed by Joseph Pilates, a physical-culturist born in Germany in 1880. He developed a system of exercises during the first half of the 20th century which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health are inter-related.*
He had practiced many of the physical training regimes which were available in Germany in his youth, and it was out of this context that he developed his own work, which has clear connections with the physical culture of the late ninteenth century such as the use of specially invented apparatuses and the claim that the exercises could cure illness.*
The first generation of students, many of them dancers, who studied with Joseph Pilates and went on to open studios and teach the method are collectively known as The Elders. Modern day pilates styles, both “traditional” and “contemporary”, are derived from the teaching of these first generation students.
The method was originally confined to the few and normally practiced in a specialized studio, but with time this has changed and pilates can now be found in community centers, gyms, dance studios, and in physical therapy offices.
*Sources from Wikipedia
Method and apparatus
The Pilates method seeks to develop controlled movement from a strong core and it does this using a range of apparatuses to guide and train the body. Joe Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises but, in common with many other physical culture systems from the first part of the twentieth century, he used several pieces of apparatus to help people “get the method in their bodies”. Each piece of apparatus has its own repertoire of exercises and most of the exercises done on the various pieces of Pilates apparatus are resistance training since they make use of springs to provide additional resistance. Using springs results in “progressive resistance”, meaning the resistance increases as the spring is stretched.
The most widely used piece of apparatus, and probably the most important, is the Reformer, but other apparatus used in a traditional Pilates studio include the Cadillac (also called the Trapeze Table), the high (or electric) chair, the Wunda Chair, the baby Chair, and the Ladder Barrel, the Spine Corrector (Step Barrel) and small barrel. Lesser used apparati include the Magic Circle, Guillotine Tower, the Pedi-Pole, and the Foot Corrector.
In contemporary Pilates other props are used, including small weighted balls, foam rollers, large exercise balls, rotating disks, and resistance bands. Some of the traditional apparatuses have been adapted for use in contemporary pilates (e.g. splitting the pedal on the wunda chair).
What we offer
PRIVATE SESSION
One-on-one session on the mat and Pilates equipment designed to meet the needs and goals of the individual. We utilize all of the studio equipment in these sessions including the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Wunda chair, spine corrector and ladder barrels as well as the pedal pull and other Pilates props. You will learn and work on the classical Pilates exercises and system with an individual and personal approach.
Pricing
2 Private Intro Sessions $80
Single Session: $75
5 Sessions: $325
10 Sessions: $625
SEMI-PRIVATE SESSION
Pricing
Prices listed are per person.
2 Semi Private Intro Sessions $50
1 Session: $50
5 Sessions : $225
10 Sessions: $400
6 week INTRO TO REFORMER CLASS
These classes are 6 week introductory classes meet once per week and are limited to four students on the reformer. In addition to the reformer you will work on Mat and Tower work. Experience a unique approach to physical conditioning utilizing all of the muscles of the body. Calls the studio to reserve your spot in class 406-541-2673.
Pricing
$125 for 6 week class series 1 time per week
Drop In Reformer Class
These classes are for students well versed in the classical repertoire on the Reformer and Tower. Reserve your spot in class online.
Pricing
Single Class $28
5 Classes $130
10 Classes $225
8 week Reformer Class
These classes are for the experienced Pilates student who has learned the classical system and order through private, semi privates or group reformer classes. These classes will focus on the intermediate and advanced repertory. Call the studio to sign up 406-541-2673.
Pricing
8 week Reformer Class Series $175
I am a dancer, choreographer, videographer and producer…and now Pilates instructor! After earning my MFA in Performance and Choreography at the University of Colorado Boulder, I moved to Missoula, MT and in 2011 founded Bare Bait Dance, a professional contemporary dance company.
I grew up here in Missoula and graduated from the University of MT with a BFA in Dance with a teaching emphasis and choreography/performance emphasis. Upon graduating I moved to Chicago to explore the professional dance world. Suffering a knee injury and surgery led me to Pilates for strengthening and rehab. I fell in love with Pilates movement system and completed my first certification in Chicago in 2002 through the Physicalmind Institute. 
As a fitness enthusiast, I have always been attracted to ways to make my body stronger. I discovered Pilates when I was training for my first marathon and immediately recognized the benefits of the classical work inspired by Joseph Pilates. My love for the work and my new found strength inspired me to become a Pilates instructor through Peak Pilates in 2006. 
I was born and raised in Missoula, and had the opportunity to live in both Seattle and Boise for over ten years. As we often hear from those who have moved away and then made our way back, “my heart was always in Montana.” My husband and I have two wonderful boys and when it was time for them to begin school we decided to make Missoula our home. We are so lucky to be able to; water ski, snow ski, hike, bike and run in MT’s great outdoors. After many years of running as my favorite exercise, and experiencing it’s associated injuries, I discovered Pilates. I have been actively practicing and seeing it’s positive results for over 8 years.