Eastside Studio John T. Gossett BIO John T. Gossett -Certifying Instructor for Physicalmind Pilates, Institute of Santa Fe -Teaching pilates for 18 years -Body conditioning instructor for Houston Ballet -Artist in residence for City Ballet of Houston, non professional civic ballet company -A.G.M.A. member Chicago City Ballet. Maria Tallchief director, Classical Ballet Dancer. (I really was not padding biography like a few others! no names!) Workshops & Conversation Eve Gentry - Romana Kryzanowska - Ron Fletcher - Robert Fitzgerald - Alan Herdman PHILOSOPHY Pilates Concepts of Houston (R) is based on the observation and experience of John T. Gossett and his associates who have put their knowledge and experience into developing a simple, safe, effective and affordable style of pilates exercise for everyone. STUDIO Large open and clean, fully equipped pilates exercise studio. Plenty of apparatus, with good natured quality instuction. HOURS Mon-Fri 8AM to 8PM Sat 10AM to 2PM PILATES EXERCISE Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates technique of body conditioning over 80 years ago. It has long been a method employed by dancers and athletes to prevent muscular imbalances and to maintain proper skeletal alignment. The technique consists of a series of related exercises performed on a mat as well as other apparatus. The principal piece of equipment used in Pilates technique is known as the "Reformer." The Reformer is a machine consisting of a horizontal platform with a moveable carriage. The carriage's movement along the platform is controlled by adjustable springs. This allows for variable resistance during the exercises, according to an individual's capabilities and needs. In order to enhance total body conditioning, exercises done on the Reformer are performed in various positions, including sitting, standing, and reclining. During certain exercises, the attached straps are either held in the hands or placed over the feet, thereby expanding the opportunity to work several parts of the body simultaneously. This improves coordination and assists in the proper alignment of the body during movement. Although the majority of people who practice the Pilates technique do so for fitness benefits, it has also been of significant value to those recovering from injuries. When the body suffers from chronic injury or a sudden trauma, it protects the affected area by compensating or over- compensating with surrounding muscle groups. This often results in imbalances in the use of muscle groups as well as improper skeletal alignment. With time, such poor body mechanics can recondition a person's posture and increase the potential for a whole new set of problems. The Pilates Technique is effective in counteracting such adverse effects because the exercises are both non-weight bearing and emphasize correct alignment. For those interested in fine tuning athletic skills or becoming reacquainted with their bodies, the Pilates conditioning program is ideal. It promotes strength, flexibility, coordination, mental concentration and the fluidity of movement as seen in professional dancers. The adaptablitiy of the technique to meet an individual's needs makes it a particularly beneficial program for the person's rehabilitation from an injury, the one pursuing overall fitness goals, or for those preparing for athletic competitions. PRICES (as of Oct. 1, 2001) 1st series of 5 sessions.......$200 Thereafter: 3 series of 8 sessions....each $150 Thereafter: 12 sessions....................$150 Unlimited: 6 months.......................$800 1 year........................$1500 Sessions by appointment Eastside Studio Pilates Concepts of Houston John T. Gossett 3100 Richmond Houston, TX 77027 (713) 526-8043