Pilates is a century-old movement practice that centers the core. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates as a means for healing wounded WW1 soldiers, it rose to prominence as a conditioning method for elite dancers. Pilates comprises bodyweight exercises done on the mat as well as spring-loaded exercises on the reformer, chair, and other apparatus. 

We are a boutique studio in Gowanus, Brooklyn. We practice and teach Pilates in a contemporary style, mixing classic choreography with new explorations. We infuse our sessions with yoga, breathing, meditation, and functional strength training, according to the goals of each student.

We are always studying and are indebted to the teachings of Clarice Marshall, Kelly Kane, Eleanor Hulihan, Stephanie Bittner, Patricia Walden, Bobby Clennell, Todd Norian, Vyas Houston, JP Harpignies, Lindsey Leaf of Fat Body Pilates, Sofia Engelman of Queer Body Pilates, Mariska Breland and Meghann Koppele Duffy of the Neuro Institute.

Short answer - Everyone! 

Long answer - Pilates started as rehab for soldiers and got famous as conditioning for dancers. These days people come to Pilates looking for pain relief, core strength, and improved mobility.

At KO, we have experience teaching boxers, dancers, runners, cyclists, pre- and post-natal moms, artists, chefs, folks with disc herniations, rotator cuff injuries, knee and hip replacements, Parkinson’s Disorder, scoliosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, anxiety, and depression. 

We are LGBTQ+ affirming and celebrate bodies of all colors, shapes, and ability levels. Wondering if Pilates is right for you? Reach out!

Pilates strengthens the core, including our breathing muscles and pelvic floor, while promoting focus and calm.  Students often leave feeling “lengthened” due to a focus on spinal decompression. Pilates supports bone health, hip and shoulder mobility, and balance. 

At KO we have taught ages 12 to 85, four feet to 6’8”, under 100 to over 300 pounds. 

Our reformer/tower and chair are rated safe for up to 350 pounds. We have a Balanced body wedge, bolsters, and blankets to help larger bodies, pregnant folks, and others feel supported.

We are located on the second floor of Gowanus Creative Studios and can provide access via a loading ramp. Unfortunately we do not have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms at this time.

If you have concerns about access, please reach out.

Pilates can be done barefoot or in socks. Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in. 

We are on the second floor of Gowanus Creative Studios, a vibrant, mixed-use commercial building at Second Avenue and Ninth Street in Brooklyn.

Our space has natural light, high ceilings, and a curated collection of equipment, art, and books that inspire us. We have filtered water, WiFi, and bathrooms (including gender neutral options) down the hall. 

Our equipment includes: Peak PilateSystem Deluxe reformer-tower; Stott chair; Balanced Body springboard, Orbit, Oovs, and foot corrector; SideKick Axisboard; Foot Collective balance beam; TRX; pull-up bar; spine corrector;  dumbbells; kettlebells; sandbag; rollers; balls; bands; discs; sliders; and vintage harmonium. 

Are you a certified movement professional interested in renting from us? Reach out here.