October 2025

As we move deeper into the fall season, we encourage you to slow down, embrace the crisp air, and align with autumn’s natural rhythm. As the days grow cooler, take a moment to revisit our January 2025 email, which explored the benefits of cold exposure and nourishing winter foods.

Speaking of winter, we are so excited to announce our very first Winter Circadian Reset Retreat! Hosted by Andrew and Allison on January 24 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Apply now to claim your spot, 2 have already been taken! We will be offering an early bird discount of 10% off for those who sign-up by November 14.

This Month’s Resources

What is Pilates?

Pilates, also known as “Contrology,” is a form of exercise and body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The Cleveland Clinic states “Some of the principles that guide the Pilates method include concentration on each movement, use of the abdomen and low back muscles, flowing, precise movement patterns and controlled breathing. Depending on the exercise, Pilates routines can be performed on specially designed apparatuses, including a bed-like structure called a reformer, or more simply on a mat or blanket.” Pilates emphasizes core strength, flexibility, mobility, controlled movement, mind-body connection, and proper breathing to improve things like posture, flexibility, and overall body awareness.

Joseph Pilates

Who was he? According to this Pilates Anytime article, “Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, a city in western Germany, in 1883. He was a sickly child, suffering from rickets (a condition in which bones do not develop properly), asthma, and rheumatic fever. His determination to overcome these childhood ailments led him to the practice and excel at bodybuilding, gymnastics, diving, and other physical pursuits. He studied Eastern and Western forms of exercise and philosophies and was greatly influenced by ancient Grecian and Roman regimens.” Joe was influenced by yoga and the movement of animals, particularly cats. He began aiding in the rehabilitation of injured, disabled, and sick prisoners of World War I. That is when he became inspired to create the Pilates Reformer. Pilates emigrated to the United States and in 1926 his first studio in NYC opened. Professional dancers were early adopters of his work but his students also included circus performers, gymnasts, and the elite of NYC.

“Over the course of his career, Joseph Pilates developed more than 600 exercises for the Mat as well as on the various apparatuses he invented, such as the Cadillac, the Reformer, the Wunda Chair, and the Spine Corrector. The guiding philosophy in his work, which he referred to as “Contrology,” was the notion that exercising the entire body in concert, as opposed to spot training individual muscles, was the way to achieve good health.”

Megaformer/Lagree vs. Pilates

Shared by @thelabpilates on Instagram

“Both use springs, both build strength, both make your muscles shake —the methods, the pace, and the purpose? Totally different.

Here’s our breakdown of what sets them apart — how each one trains your body, and how to choose the method that fits your goals



Pilates Resources

Books:

Videos:

Instagram accounts to follow: