About The Pilates Haus

​The Pilates Haus is fully equipped Classical Pilates studio located in historic downtown Jersey City, NJ, founded by Master Teacher, Brett Howard, in 2004, and later joined by Tiffani Branch and Tetsuo Yoshida who became co-directors of the studio.

We offer Private, Semi-private and group Mat, Reformer & Tower classes.  We also provide Special Group classes, Mommy and Me Pilates, Kids Pilates and Outreach classes upon your request.  

Only certified instructors, who have completed 675 hours of hands-on comprehensive full apparatus training through US Pilates which is based on Joseph Pilates original method, are teaching at the Pilates Haus. 

The Pilates Haus' mission is to preserve and perpetuate Joseph Pilates original system of body conditioning as well as to introduce and provide a great exercise program to all.

Studio Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday   8:00AM to 9:00PM
Saturday & Sunday   8:00AM to 3:00PM

How to get our studio from New York City
Take the Path train from either the 33rd Street Station or the World Trade Center Station.  Please make sure to take the train that goes to the Journal Square Station or the Newark Station, not the Hoboken Station (on the weekend, take the train that goes to Journal Square via Hoboken).  The closest station to our studio is the Grove Street Station which is the 2nd stop in New Jersey.  Our studio is a 5 minute walk from the station.

​About Joseph Pilates

Pilates method was invented by Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880-1967). Born near Dusseldorf, Germany, Joseph H. Pilates had a lifelong interest in body conditioning.  As a frail child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever, he dedicated himself to becoming stronger.  He improved his health and physique by studying anatomy and various forms of exercise. At the age of 14, he had been so successful in his endeavors that he was asked to model for anatomy charts.

Around 1914, Joseph H. Pilates was already an accomplished performer, gymnast, skier, diver and boxer living in England.  At the outbreak of World War I, he was placed under forced interment along with other German nationals in Lancaster, England.  There he taught fellow camp members his concepts and exercises that he developed over his 20 years of self study and apprenticeships in Yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens.  It was at this time that he began devising the system of original exercises known today as "Pilates Mat-Work".  He called this regimen "Contrology".  A few years later, he was transferred to another camp, where he became a nurse/caretaker to the many interns struck with wartime diseases and physical injuries.  Here he began devising equipment to rehabilitate his "patients", by taking springs and attaching them to hospital beds. This system formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning and specialized exercise apparatus, which he brought to New York City when he opened his studio in 1926.

About the Pilates Method

​The Pilates method of body conditioning is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility, strength and balance for the total body.  It is a series of controlled and systematic movements coupled with focused breathing patterns engaging your body, mind and sprit.  The Pilates method of body conditioning works proximal to distal, from the center to the peripheral body parts.  It works the stronger deep muscles of the body creating long lean toned muscles, instead of building the weaker superficial muscles which bulk. The Pilates method is performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Big Chair, and Barrels.  Each session is thoroughly supervised by extensively trained teachers.

The Pilates method of body conditioning yields numerous benefits.  Strength, flexibility and stability, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination of both the physical and mental, are all key components in an effective Pilates program.  It increase lung capacity and circulation through deep healthy breathing.  Coordination, posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased.  Bone density and joint health improve, and individuals gain experiences in positive body awareness and self-embodiment.  The Pilates method teaches balance and control of the entire body, and that capacity spills over in ones every day existence, improving a person's quality of life.

The Six Key Principles Of The Pilates Method
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1. Centering
The main focus point of the method. All the work starts from and is sustained through the Center.  Joseph Pilates called this center the "Powerhouse".  

2. Concentration
To fully benefit from the workout, the exercises are executed with focused concentration.  It is the mind that guides the body.  Five aspects of the mind are brought into the workout.  Those aspects are intelligence, intuition, imagination, will and memory.

3. Control
When the work is done from the center and with full concentration, you are in control of the movements performed.  Habit (especially bad habit) and gravity do not take over. Joseph Pilates called his Method  "Contrology", the art of control.

4. Precision
The exercises were designed with a precise goal in mind, and one must pay the utmost attention to details.  All exercises have a clear structure, a precise form, and an optimal dynamic. Work with quality instead of quantity.

5. Breath
All exercises are done with the rhythm of the breath and heart-beat.  Inhale on the point of effort to send fresh oxygen to the muscles when they most need it.  Exhale, wringing all the stale air out of the lungs.

6. Flow
The full workout is a flowing succession of exercises performed with vigorous dynamics.  There is a minimum of movement, especially in the transitions, for a maximum flow.

While doing Pilates try to keep these principals in mind.  Incorporating all six principals into your workout is your ultimate goal to achieve maximum benefit and efficiency from your workout.