Move more. Live your best.
What's New
Studio Jacks Pilates at 911 Western Avenue introduces new Express Pilates Workouts! Get your complete routine done in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect schedule to keep you fit during a busy workday. Call or send a message to book your Express appointment today.
We're conveniently located in the heart of Seattle's downtown waterfront neighborhood, in the Maritime Building.
Individual and duet appointments are available Monday-Saturday. Review our Calendar and Rates for more information on schedules and pricing.
Group mat classes are held on Saturdays, at 10:15 a.m. No appointment is necessary for Mat class attendance. Please do arrive 5 minutes prior to class start time for building admittance.
Curious about what Studio Jacks Pilates has to offer? Call to schedule a free studio tour, check out the equipment, and decide if our studio is right for you. Introductory tours take about 10 minutes, and you'll get to see if Studio Jacks has the right workout for you - to make a tour appointment call 206.730.7768.
What We Offer
Studio Jacks specializes in traditional Pilates instruction, designed to accommodate any experience or fitness level. Our personalized instruction is customized to each client’s needs and goals, from beginning to advanced Pilates students.
Individual Instruction
- "Private Session" offers 1-to-1 instruction:
- You will work individually with your instructor on a variety of machines, selected for your needs.
- Private Sessions can be booked for 50 or 30-minutes.
- "Duet Session" offers 1-to-2 instruction:
- You and a workout partner will share a session with your instructor, using a variety of machines, selected for your needs.
- Duet Sessions can be booked for 50 or 30 minutes.
- "Small Group Mat Class" offers instruction for up to 5 students:
- With an instructor, participants follow a complete circuit of mat exercises. The class runs for 45-minutes.
- *Beginning July 1, mat classes will only be held on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
With either a Private or Duet, your session will include exercises on equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrel Ladder, Pedopole or Mat Exercises. You may also use accessories such as the Magic Circle, light weights or resistance balls.
Group Mat Class sessions will include a variety of exercises that change with each session, and can include use of light weights and balance accessories.
Check our Schedule
Feature Article | What is Pilates?
Over 90-years ago Joseph H. Pilates developed a unique method of body conditioning, suitable for any fitness level, designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles with an emphasis on developing optimal core conditioning. While enhancing muscle condition the exercises also improve posture, flexibility and balance, creating an overall streamlined shape for the body. One of the signature qualities of Joseph Pilates' work is the integration of the entire body into one workout.
Born in 1880 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Mr. Pilates originaly named his method of exercise "Contrology." As a child his body was frail, and he was stricken with Asthma and Ricketts. The young Joseph Pilates found that movement, "exercise," gave him strength and health. Throughout his youth and young adulthood he was an avid skier, boxer, wrestler and contortionist. During World War I, Pilates was interned on the Isle of Man and brought his exercise habits with him. During this time he worked with other prisoners and developed his unique exercise method utilizing resources available to him in the barracks. It is said that the health of his fellow inmates was far superior to others in the same conditions, and his group fared well in the flu pandemic of 1918.
Following World War I, Pilates emigrated to the United States and met his future wife, Clara, along the voyage to New York City. The couple opened the first "Pilates Studio" on 8th Avenue in Manhattan, near the original Madison Square Gardens. The location was selected so that Joseph could make frequent visits to the boxing matches at The Gardens, and to be close to his client, Max Schmelling, who Pilates trained as a World Heavy Weight Champion boxer.
Working in New York City, Joseph and Clara became acquaintances of George Balanchine and Martha Graham. The legendary dance companies sent injured dancers to the Pilates studio for rehabilitative training and were said to be impressed with the results, which in some cases prevented the need for surgery and allowed dancers to return to successful careers. Workouts at the Pilates studio became a regular part of training for the Balanchine and Graham dancers, resulting in stronger, healther bodies for the rigorous dance regimes.
As the Pilates studio grew in reputation, Joseph and Clara expanded their resources and brought in proteges Romana Kryzanowska and Jay Grimmes to study and work with clients. Romana and Jay continue to teach apprentices in the traditional Pilates method, keeping to the method and principles as Joseph intended. The Pilates method was designed to promote concentration of both mind and muscle while exercising, and to integrate the whole body, creating a balanced, strong and vital physique. Pilates believed that vitality and strength are the birthright of all, and encouraged every body, no matter their ability, to reach their peak potential.
Today, Romana Kryzanowska's educational organization continues to train and certify Pilates instructors around the world in the traditional methods of Joseph Pilates. Visit our Studio Locator page to find a Romana's studio in your area.
