Hello, and welcome!
Pilates Encyclopedia was created by me, Mara Sievers, NCPT, out of the desire to gather everything I’ve learned about Pilates in one place for easy reference. I had gathered copious amounts of information, exercises, and cues over the years, but it was spread all over the depths of my computer as well as several notebooks, loose pieces of paper, and sticky notes. Some gems of knowledge might be forever lost in the grey matter labyrinth of my mind.
If I only had all that knowledge available in one place!
Learn about the MembershipThe world wide web is awesome. And there is incredible wisdom scattered all over it. But that’s just it. Don't you find it tedious to spend hours sifting through Google search results in an effort to find the one piece of information you're looking for? Furthermore, can you trust the source of the article? Who wrote it? Does this person work with clients day in and day out? Over and over again, I was frustrated that I spent hours at the computer (not my favorite thing in the world) and still didn’t end up with the answer I was looking for.
Nowadays, the edges of what is Pilates and what isn’t are starting to blur. Many Pilates instructors are also certified in other modalities, such as various forms of exercise or body work, i.e. yoga teachers, massage therapists, physical therapists, personal trainers and much more. We all want to help our clients to move better and feel better in their bodies. We use whatever tools we have available. I think that’s great. But if we mix everything together, then my head starts spinning.
This doesn’t mean I consider myself a classical instructor. As with spirituality, my foremost desire is to gather as much knowledge from as many sources as I can, question everything, and gain my own insight. I’m incredibly curious and skeptical enough not to take everything at face value. Like a three-year-old - I want to know why. It’s my favorite word.
Out of this curiosity and desire to dig deeper, I started to research any and all styles of Pilates. Some things resonate more than others. That doesn't mean they're less valuable. I think we all have something to share. As we all know from our experience with Pilates, no two bodies are the same, no two minds are the same. I find it fascinating to compare different versions of the same exercise, and understand why I would choose one over the other, and who would be the appropriate person to try it with. The huge variety of exercises, variations and cues ensures that Pilates can serve everyone, and it will never get boring.
Get Access To All This Knowledge Today
Breaking down the exercises is hugely beneficial to me!
"Thinking about each exercise in more depth deepens my understanding. On top of that, it's so lovely to feel welcomed to ask questions."
Natasha Haresign
Scotland, UK
I have such a huge appreciation for the Pilates Encyclopedia!
"Being a teacher-in-training, I feel like it's essential to have access to this information. There are so many times I need an answer to a teaching question and the Pilates Encyclopedia tells me the information I need very simply and clearly!"
Kristi Paciello
Arizona, USA
A brilliant resource!
"As a teacher, it's great to be reminded to come back to intention, intuition, finding space and flow as opposed to forcing clinical execution of form, which doesn't feel as great. Thanks for working hard to make this."
Kate Cunnigham
United Kingdom
We're proud to be 100% member-funded, relying on the incredible support of our community to fuel our endeavors.
Unlike on other platforms, you won't find intrusive ads cluttering our space. Instead, it's our members who contribute to every aspect of our work, from researching and producing content for the blog and YouTube channel to creating all the value-packed resources you’ll find in the membership hub.
Independence is our badge of honor. We don’t pledge allegiance to any brand or manufacturer and don’t get any freebies. Every piece of equipment you see has been purchased with our hard-earned funds, ensuring 100% authenticity in every recommendation and review.
We also strive to remain unbiased. We show no favoritism towards any school or style — our goal is to provide a comprehensive, open-minded space for everyone.
At Pilates Encyclopedia, transparency, integrity, and community support drive us forward. Join us on this unique journey where members are not just contributors, but the very foundation of our thriving Pilates family.
Finally, even though I strive to gather all my knowledge here, it can’t be comprehensive or all-inclusive. This site started out with just one person, and there are many many many Pilates movers out there who have experienced Pilates differently in their own body-minds, as well as in their students’.
Hence, this is a work in progress that will grow as we learn from each other, and it will remain eternally and blissfully incomplete.
If you have something to share, I invite you to contribute to this site. Send your articles to [email protected].
I also encourage you to please send me your questions. I answer all of them.
My Amazing Team
Kristi Paciello
Customer Service and Virtual Assistant
Kristi Paciello, a certified Pilates Instructor with Pilates Sports Center, is committed to helping others discover the transformative power of Pilates. Her journey began as a receptionist at Mara's New Hampshire Pilates studio, where she fell in love with Pilates for its ability to boost her confidence, strength, and self-awareness, while also reducing her aches and pains. Convinced this passion was here to stay, she pursued her Pilates Instructor certification in 2019 and now teaches both online and in-person sessions. Beyond Pilates, you can find Kristi planning her next hike and enjoying the great outdoors of Phoenix, AZ with her husband and the two cutest dogs in the whole world : )
Stephanie Anderson
Content Editor and Contributor
Stephanie Anderson is a movement specialist with experience and knowledge in Pilates, dance, strength training, and nutrition. She's been a Pilates Instructor for just over a decade, with most of her experience in Chicago and New York City. Some of her credentials include Level 2 STOTT PILATES Instructor, PTA Global Certified Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach, and a Certification in Applied Functional Science from the Gray Institute.
Stephanie has a passion for movement and the positive changes it can bring to your body. In 2015 she started Movability, which now offers virtual one-on-one Pilates sessions. Currently based in Chicago, she performs as a freelance dance artist. In dance she specializes in contemporary floorwork and partnering. Her most recent venture includes launching Moon and Stars Journals, which offers journals and planners for turning your dream life into reality.
Jessica Roberts
Community Manager
Jessica is a Balanced Body CPT-NCPT and workshop provider. She founded Pilates Workouts Online to share her love and expertise for Pilates with the world. Jessica was first introduced to Mat Pilates through an infomercial and later discovered the Reformer during a physical therapy session. After discovering group classes and one-on-one’s she fell in love with the transformative effect Pilates had on her body and the boost it gave her to her confidence and mood. She dedicated herself to becoming a Pilates instructor and Pilates teacher trainer, and has operated a home studio and managed and taught at multiple boutiques, gyms, and chain studios.
Tiffany Hathorn
Copywriter
Tiffany Hathorn is a conversion copywriter with over a decade in the field. Specializing in personality-infused, psychology-driven copy, she helps coaches, course creators, and membership owners connect with their dream audience, magnify their message, and boost their bottom line. Tiffany also contributes to various publications, where she covers topics spanning entrepreneurship, single parenting, homeschooling, and more.
A single mom of one, when she's not knee-deep in the homeschooling trenches, she loves doing all things creative and geeky, including writing fantasy stories, reading one of the thousands of books from her personal library, marathoning her favorite TV shows and movies, being on stage at the local dinner theater, traveling, cooking, crafting, and a number of other random hyperfixations. She and her son live in a tiny southwest town with their cat, Berlioz. You can learn more on her website and follow her on Instagram.
My (Continuing) Education
- FMS Level 1 Certified
- Spectrum Teaching: 10 Guidelines for Successfully Teaching the Autism Spectrum with Laurette Ryan | PMA Conference 2022
- Break It to Build It: Deconstructing Pilates Exercises to Create Success with Misty Lynne Cauthen | PMA Conference 2022
- Teaching Pilates to Men with Jamie Isaac | PMA Conference 2022
- The Neck Health Workshop with Shari Berkowitz | PMA Conference 2022
- Foot Contact Pressures and Technique on the Reformer with Karen Clippinger | Pilates on Tour Chicago 2022
- You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato with Joy Puleo and Karen Frischman | Pilates on Tour Chicago 2022
- Pilates for the Professional Athlete with Christine Romani-Ruby in 2019
- Safe and Effective Pilates For Hypermobile Bodies with Noelle Dowma at PMA 2019
- Effective Programming for Neurological Clients with Mariska Breland and Meghann Koppele Duffy
- Lolita's Reformer at Pilates on Tour Boston 2019
- Oov Fundamentals 2017 with Katrina Hawley
- Introduction to MS for Fitness/Wellness Instructors 2017
- Pilates Adaptations for People with Scoliosis Supporting the Teachings of the Schroth Method 2018 with Lisa Stolze and Hagit Berdishevsky
- Passed the National Pilates Teacher certification in 2017
- Polestar Comprehensive Studio Series with Katrina Hawley in Hadley, MA in 2016
- Polestar Principles with Dr. Brent Anderson in 2015
- Balanced Body Reformer Training 2013 with Zayna Gold
- YogaWorks 200-hour yoga teacher training
- Pilates mat certification through educationinMove Austria in 2006
Articles + Podcasts
- How to Plan Fresh and Effective Pilates Lessons | Pilates Bridge June 30 2023
- My Interview with Lynda Lippin on the Pilates Goddess podcast
- Common Mistakes as a Teaching Tool | Pilates Method Alliance Blog
- My Interview with Olivia Bioni on the Pilates Teachers' Manual Podcast
- My Interview on All Things Pilates Podcast
- Teaching Eccentric Exercises, My 3 Go-Tos | Pilates Intel August 25, 2021
- Ingredients for a Perfect Pilates Practice | Pilates Intel June 17, 2020
- What tips would you give to a Pilates student attempting the Roll-Up? | PMA Blog January 15, 2020
- Generosity & The Business of Pilates | Polestar Blog November 25, 2019
- Graduate Highlight: Mara Sievers | Polestar Blog October 26, 2019
- Polestar Grads - Where Are They Now? Mara Sievers' Pilates Encyclopedia | Polestar Blog November 2019
- Forget That Cue - Three Wrong Cues For the Shoulder Girdle | Pilates Intel August 21, 2019
- What Do You Wish More People Knew About Pilates / Pilates Method Alliance Blog June 2019
- Pilates Can Help With... | Pilates Pal Blog April 25, 2019
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