THE ORIGINS OF PILATES
Pilates transforms bodies and minds with precision. The Original 34 exercises, created by Joseph Pilates, offer a timeless foundation. Carrie’s Pilates guides you to begin this journey with confidence.
Our studios in West Hollywood, CA, Orange County, CA, Trinity Groves, TX, Plano, TX and Toronto, ON welcome all levels of students. We blend classic Pilates with the modern principles of HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
What Are the Original 34?
Joseph Pilates designed 34 mat exercises. They build strength, flexibility, and control. Each move targets the whole body. These exercises form the Pilates’ core. They’re adaptable for beginners. Mastery grows with practice.
When Joseph Pilates invented the Reformer to assist his method with great results, he adjusted his workout to incorporate the machine. At Carrie’s Pilates we use our own custom patent-pending version of the Reformer called Carrie’s Transformer.
Join us to learn them. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Why Start with the Original 34?
The 34 teach Pilates fundamentals. They emphasize breath and alignment. Beginners gain a strong base.
They suit any fitness level. Carrie’s Pilates uses the Reformer Method of PIlates. You’ll feel results quickly.
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Pilates strengthens your core. It improves posture and balance. Flexibility increases with every session.
Mental focus sharpens through breathwork. Stress melts away. Your body and mind align.
Core Power: Tones deep muscles.
Posture: Corrects slouching.
Calm: Reduces daily tension.
Try it at our one of our studios. Find a Carrie’s PIlates Location!
Getting Ready to Begin
Wear comfy, fitted clothes. A mat provides cushioning. Clear a quiet space at home or join us.
Hydrate before starting. Avoid heavy meals prior. A positive mindset fuels progress.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus sets you up. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Understanding Pilates Principles
Pilates rests on six principles. They are control, centering, concentration, precision, breath, and flow. Each guides the Original 34.
Centering targets your core. Breath powers every move. These ideas shape your practice.
Learn them with us. Visit our About Page.
The Hundred warms up your body. Lie on your back, pump arms, and breathe. It builds core strength.
Start with 50 pumps if new. Keep legs at a safe height. Focus on steady breathing.
Purpose: Boosts circulation.
Form: Engage abs, not neck.
Ease: Modify for comfort.
Join our classes for guidance. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Roll-Up strengthens your spine. Lie flat, then slowly curl up. It stretches hamstrings and back.
Move smoothly, vertebra by vertebra. Use arms for support. Avoid jerking to protect your neck.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus teaches form. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Single Leg Circle improves hip mobility. Lie down, circle one leg smoothly. It challenges core stability.
Keep torso still during circles. Start with small ranges. Five circles each way is enough.
Goal: Loosens hip joints.
Control: Avoid swaying.
Start: Small, slow circles.
Our instructors perfect this move. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Rolling Like a Ball is fun. Hug knees, roll back, then return. It massages your spine.
Stay tight like a ball. Don’t roll onto your neck. Balance is key at the top.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus makes it safe. Visit our About Page.
Double Leg Stretch builds endurance. Extend arms and legs, then hug in. Your core stays engaged.
Breathe out as you extend. Keep lower back grounded. Modify by keeping head down.
Strength: Tones abs deeply.
Breath: Exhale on stretch.
Ease: Adjust leg height.
Try it in one of our studios. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Spine Stretch Forward elongates your back. Sit tall, round forward slowly. It relieves tension and boosts flexibility.
Hinge from hips, not waist. Keep shoulders relaxed. Exhale to deepen the stretch.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus refines posture. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Side Kick Series tones legs and hips. Lie on your side, kick leg forward and back. Core stability keeps you steady.
Align hips and shoulders. Move only the leg. Small kicks work for beginners.
Target: Sculpts outer thighs.
Balance: Engage abs.
Range: Start small.
Our classes strengthen sides. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Teaser challenges core control. From lying, lift into a V-shape. Arms and legs reach together.
Start with bent knees. Build to full extension. It’s tough but rewarding.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus coaches Teaser. Visit our About Page.
Swan Prep opens your chest. Lie face-down, lift torso slightly. It counters slouching and strengthens back.
Press pelvis into the mat. Look forward, not up. Keep movements small at first.
Purpose: Back extension.
Form: Avoid neck strain.
Ease: Lift gently.
We teach safe Swan. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Start with 5–10 exercises. Practice 2–3 times weekly. The Original 34 grow easier with repetition.
Mix moves for balance. Rest when needed. Consistency brings strength and confidence.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus builds routines. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Bend knees in Roll-Up. Keep legs higher in Hundred. Use props like pillows for support.
Smaller ranges ease strain. Focus on form over speed. Modifications make Pilates accessible.
Knees Bent: Reduces core load.
Props: Add comfort, stability.
Pace: Slow and steady wins.
Our classes modify safely. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Don’t rush movements. Speed sacrifices control. Engage core, not neck, in lifts.
Avoid holding your breath. Misaligned hips skew balance. Proper form prevents injury.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus corrects errors. Visit our About Page.
Breath fuels every exercise. Inhale to prepare, exhale to move. It connects mind and body.
Breathing steadies your focus. Practice makes it natural.
Inhale: Expands ribs.
Exhale: Powers effort.
Rhythm: Syncs with moves.
We teach breathing right. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
A quiet corner works fine. Use a thick mat for comfort. Clear obstacles for leg swings.
Good lighting lifts mood. Add music if you like. Your space should inspire movement.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus mimics home ease. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Classes offer expert guidance. Instructors at Carrie’s Pilates watch form and use hands on corrections to help you quickly learn and adjust your form. Group energy motivates you.
Beginners feel welcome. Classes speed up learning.
Guidance: Pros spot mistakes.
Community: Friends inspire.
Progress: Faster with classes.
Try our sessions. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Progressing with the 34
Add reps as you strengthen. Try harder variations later. Full sequences take months to master.
Track your stamina gains. Celebrate small wins. The 34 reward patience and effort.
Carrie’s Pilates Plus tracks progress. Explore our About Page.
Combining with Equipment
Mat work pairs with reformers. The Original 34 adapt to machines. Equipment adds resistance for growth.
Carrie’s Pilates studios has top gear, featuring our own custom patent-pending version of the Reformer called Carrie’s Transformer.
Carrie’s Transformer deepens core work.
Join our equipment classes. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Kids benefit from basic moves. Adults gain strength and calm. Seniors improve balance with care.
The 34 adjust for everyone. No age limits apply.
Kids: Build coordination, confidence and strength.
Adults: Relieves stress, and builds balance and strength, while support mental health.
Seniors: Gentle mobility and strength and balance building benefits.
We welcome all. Contact Carrie’s Pilates.
Set small, clear goals. Track sessions in a journal. Reward progress with rest or treats.
Classes keep you accountable. Fun keeps you coming back.
Carrie’s Pilates inspires you to expand beyond your preconceived limits and to create new benchmarks and goals, that ultimately increase your quality of life..
Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Eat balanced meals for energy. Hydrate before and after sessions. Protein aids muscle recovery.
Avoid heavy snacks pre-workout. Also remember to always hydrate, as water is key to creating a healthy balance in your body. Nutrition supports your 34 journey.
We share wellness tips. Explore our About Page.
Rest and Recovery
Rest days prevent burnout. Stretch gently between sessions. Sleep fuels muscle repair.
Overdoing the 34 risks strain. Listen to your body. Recovery is part of growth.
Carrie’s Pilates promotes balance. Contact Carrie’s Pilates!
The 34 demand focus and calm. Breathwork centers your mind.
Regular practice boosts mood. Confidence grows with strength. Pilates heals beyond the body.
Focus: Quiets racing thoughts.
Breath: Lowers stress fast.
Joy: Movement lifts spirits.
Feel it in our classes. Visit our Locations Page to find a Carrie’s Pilates location to learn about their class offerings.
Why Choose Carrie’s Pilates Plus?
We’re Westlake Village’s Pilates experts. Our classes blend classic and dynamic moves.
Start your 34 journey with us. Feel stronger, move better.
Ready to try Pilates? Begin with the Original 34. Contact Carrie’s Pilates! Your stronger self awaits.
