01
the original
Pilates
“Pilates is necessary for everyone no matter how old or fit you may be”
Pilates is a full body exercise method. It focuses on the development of your deep muscles, improvement of your blood circulation, muscular balance and most importantly, your flexibility and posture. It is designed to maintain, improve or restore your physical capacities and delay the aging process. It strengthens and stabilizes your core body through precise exercise routines on the mat and on special equipment designed by its founder, Joseph Pilates.
To do Pilates you need concentration, precision, fluidity and body control. During your workout, your attention and body consciousness are greatly required which contributes to clear your mind, relieving you from stress and anxiety, gaining more fluidity and greater coordination. Deeper breathing is stimulated producing muscular relaxation.
“Mens sana in corporare sano” a healthy mind in a healthy body is his ethos.
Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), this visionary German sports trainer was convinced that modern urban lifestyles were leading to physical and mental attrition. He was Inspired by multiple forms of sports, dance, the movements of animals,yoga and martial arts.
He dedicated his life to developing sequences of movements focused on the shared use of body and mind to control and strengthen deep muscles which in turn correct body posture. This inspired him to design and fabricate a great number of apparatus that are used in training.
02
pascale picard
the trainer
“My body was the terrain for a self-healing process, now I heal and train others”
Alongside my practice and enthusiasm for figure skating, dancing and other sports, at European championship levels, I was always interested in the broader aspects of health, therapy and movement.
I took on a career as a social worker with international institutions in Africa and Latin America, the human need for improvement and wellbeing became obvious to me.
After a number of injuries and chronical back and knee pain, I turned to the original pilates to heal my injuries, strengthen my body, and to alleviate the pain. I became convinced of the benefits of the Pilates method on my own body, and began 3 years of an intense Pilates training. In 2012, I graduated as a certified Pilates Instructor from the Romana’s Pilates School in New York - Paris, and I taught this method in Paris, Biarritz and now Brussels. During that time, I became particularly interested in introducing this method’s use in para-medical treatments. I currently collaborate with many medical professionals (more below).
about my studio
“L’ atelier Pilates”
A unique way of gradually imprinting your body and mind with accurate posture and movements.
In my studio, you will do the original Pilates as transmitted by those closest to its founder in an individual class designed for you, while working on the original equipment. They provide resistance through a set of springs and through your own body weight will challenge your workout.
During your sessions, I will accompany you in your workout, guiding you through sequences of movements adapted to your body needs. You will use the Reformer and other pieces of equipment such as the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, the Baby chair, the Spine corrector, the High Barrel, the High Chair.
“Regular Pilates movements are a key factor for sustaining physical health”
As you steadily and continuously improve, you will be able to replicate on your mat at home a routine of exercises learned in the studio. You’ll get stronger and move with greater fluidity, thus improving your posture. This will generate an overall feeling of wellbeing in your everyday postures and movements.
03
Medical vision
and practice
“Pilates is a holistic approach combining a training of the body and mind”
Over ten years of practice, Pascale Picard has gained recognition in the medical field through working alongside established specialists, surgeons, physiotherapists and psychotherapists including Dr B. Heiderich, Soft tissue surgeon, Delta Hospital, Brussels; Dr. S. Auvertain, Orthopaedic surgeon, knee and hip, Delta Hospital, Brussels; Dr. R. Gunzburg, Orthopaedics & traumatology surgery of the spine, Delta Hospital, Brussels; Monica Antwerp – Clinic du Centenaire, Antwerp; Dr. F. Collignon, Neurosurgeon & surgery of the spine, Delta Hospital, Brussels; Dr J. Schmidt, gynaecologist and psychoanalyst; C. Van Gansberg, physiotherapist.
Pascale Picard treats people suffering from chronic pain, backache, bad posture, nervous pathologies, stress, fatigue and neurological pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease. She has gradually succeeded in imposing her practice as an essential physical therapy that is increasingly used for patients suffering from perineal or postural revalidation after post-parietal, reconstructive or cancer surgery. Pascale Picard has also targeted her practice towards sportsmen suffering from pubalgia.and those suffering from herniated discs. Her methods have proven that strengthening the abdominal strap through in-depth musculation allows a more efficient convalescence with faster post operation recovery results.
Sessions are available in four languages, French, English, Spanish and German.
04
Testimonies
“Ten years ago Pilates helped me reintegrate my body after strong chemo and radiotherapy. The daily routine has since then given me pleasure and physical comfort.”
Stéphane, aged 58, Diplomat.
Pathology: post-lung cancer rehabilitation.
“Very interesting experience. I discovered Pilates and was astonished by its depth and the intensity of muscle work – a perfect complement to my sport’s practice”
Cédric, aged 27, Physiotherapist and hockey player.
Pathology: stiffness, need to improve sporting performances.
“Learning Pilates with Pascale, enabled me to pursue my art practice when doctors thought I would not be able to lift my arms again.”
Jonathan, aged 42, Artist
Pathology: post-back hernia surgery
“Pilates offers greater body experiences and a more harmonious posture thanks to abdominal in-depth muscle reinforcement. Relieving me of back pain and hernias, my muscles hold me on a daily basis. It has also improved my jogging, rectifying my upper body, aligning my shoulders and arms to better my performances.“
Benoît, aged 57, Consultant
Pathology:
“After years of fighting Lime disease, Pilates helped me to recover the use of my muscles and tendons that were strained by this illness. I finally gained control over my body and can now fully enjoy life.“
Julia, aged 27, Student in interior design
Pathology: post–Lime disease
"Through Pilates I got rid of accumulated stress from my childhood years which had in turn tainted my posture. I’ll never be more thankful – I progressively saw my body transforming, gaining strength in areas I never thought possible. I also overcame injuries to my adductors, all of this in holistic way. Thank you! “
Géraldine, aged 43, Interpreter.
Pathology:
“In depth work done with gentleness allowed me to build strength and flexibility in the last 4 years. The backache has vanished and in time I’ve gained consciousness and control over my body coupled with a sense of vigour in my everyday life. “
Geneviève, aged
Pathology:
“After many years sitting behind my desk only Pilates saved me, a practice I’ve been doing for 2 years now in Pascale’s company. It brought better posture and flexibility.”
Najah, aged 78,
Pathology:
“Pilates is a wonderful discovery, I’ve only been practicing for 2 months but can already experience change in my body. It is toned up and my backache has practically disappeared. Im hooked on Pilates.”
Noëlle, aged 44, Beautician
Pathology:
05
contact & pricing
