Pilates is a method of exercise using Pilates apparatus (equipment) or an exercise mat together with various props to improve strength, flexibility and body awareness. Classical Pilates was invented a century ago by Joseph Pilates. Together with his wife, Clara, they developed the classical Pilates method at their Pilates studio in New York City until the end of the 1960s. Joe drew inspiration from dance, bodybuilding, yoga, martial arts, gymnastics and even animal movements.
The Pilates Method
Classical Pilates has six basic principles that are the foundation of the Pilates approach to exercise the way Joe developed it. Classical Pilates is what classical ballet is compared to contemporary dance.
Why is Pilates great?
Pilates improves your strength, flexibility and mind-body awareness by bringing attention to your posture and which muscles you are engaging at any given moment. Pilates is good for everybody regardless of your fitness level, age or body type. Pilates improves the movement quality for a wide range of activities including walking, running, soccer, golf, cycling, skiing, tennis, dancing and more! You get renewed energy from the Pilates method so you can enjoy more of all the things you love doing.
Chrystal C.
Stockholm, Progressive Pilates
I was hesitant to take an online pilates class at first, but within the first five minutes of class, I knew, and felt, that I was going to get a great workout. By the next day, I felt the same soreness as I did when I took her classes in person. Stephanie is a great instructor online, as she is in person. She is Attentive, can easily still adjust your positions from the camera and keeps the class moving at a great pace. I am very glad that she is offering online classes during this strange time – helps me feel somewhat normal and stretch out after working from home all day.
Brigita M.
Stockholm, Studio Session, Essential & Progressive Pilates, Matwork Education
I went to Stephanie with back pain and although it is still early days, I am absolutely amazed by the results and a measurable reduction in pain in just two months. She is one of those great teachers who really takes the time to understand what is best for your body and fitness level, very attentive and recognizes when to push you and when to praise you.
Ana-Linda F.
Stockholm, Mama Pilates
I am so glad I came across Stephanie’s Mama Pilates classes in Stockholm after quite some trial and error elsewhere. I appreciate her knowledge and that she carefully keeps an eye on us and focuses on our individual needs during classes. She is very professional. The variety of exercises was great as well and I always felt so good afterwards. The set up where I can train and take the little one with me was just perfect for me too and also a good chance to meet other mums. My diastasis recti is recovered and I now can visit normal classes – which I definitely will as I absolutely found pleasure in the Pilates method.
About Pilates Via
We help both beginners and experienced Pilates aficionados improve strength and flexibility with a graceful smile. Pilates Via was founded by Stephanie Fjalestad in 2016. Pilates Via Odenplan | Studio S (Surbrunnsgatan 60), a fully equipped Classical Pilates studio, opened in the spring of 2018. Studio H (Hagagränd 2) and Studio O (Zoom) opened in the spring of 2020. The saga continues…
Your Instructors
You train with international instructors educated in Classical Pilates by Pilates Via and certified by The Pilates Standard. Classes and sessions are taught in English unless otherwise stated. For sessions, it is possible to choose one of the languages that your instructor can teach in.
A Classical Pilates instructor from Unites States. Teaches in English.
Stephanie is a certified Professional Classical Pilates Teacher (2nd generation) by Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protégé. A former dancer and teacher in dance and health at PACE University, NYC. She brings years of teaching experience, always positive, motivating and ready to challenge her clients. Experienced teaching people of all ages, body types, athletic abilities, prenatal and postnatal, and able to modify exercises for various challenges. Exhibits patience with new learners and is an effective communicator. She loves nothing more than when a client experiences a breakthrough moment as a result of doing pilates.
A Classical Pilates instructor from Sweden. Teaches in English and Swedish.
Victoria is a certified Professional Classical Pilates instructor (4th generation). She is also educated in classical and modern ballet, in both Sweden and England. The love of pilates comes from a fascination with the anatomical body and the joy that this form of exercise brings. Now she hopes to pass this on to all her clients!
A Classical Pilates instructor from Israel. Teaches in English, Swedish, Hebrew and French.
Boaz is a certified Professional Classical Pilates Instructor (4th generation). Most of his professional life, he has spent moving; for 24 years as a dancer in Israel and then in Stockholm. He began his journey into the world of Pilates after a lower back injury and started as a Pilates instructor in 2005.
Brigita M.
Stockholm, Studio Session, Essential & Progressive Pilates, Matwork Education
I went to Stephanie with back pain and although it is still early days, I am absolutely amazed by the results and a measurable reduction in pain in just two months. She is one of those great teachers who really takes the time to understand what is best for your body and fitness level, very attentive and recognizes when to push you and when to praise you.
Kaisa H.P.
Stockholm, Pregnancy Pilates
Stephanie is a great instructor for Pregnancy Pilates! For me, without previous experience of Classical Pilates, she has given me a new understanding of my body awareness and control. With her help I have been able to understand the changes i my body and to adress the problems that the body goes through during pregnancy. I give her my warmest recommendations.
Carla H.
Stockholm, Mama Pilates
Finding Mama Pilates has changed my post pregnancy body. I have become more aware of my body and with Stephanie’s guidance I’m feeling stronger, stable and my diastasis has all but healed – I couldn’t ask for anything more !
Madalina B.
Stockholm, Mama, Essential & Progressive Pilates
I like how Stephanie focuses on the technique and always corrects even the smallest mistake. I have never trained the abs so well as in her classes. Great teaching, perfect to get back into shape post pregnancy!
Lisa B.
Stockholm, Mama Pilates
I trained Mama Pilates with Stephanie after my second pregnancy. It was just what my tired body needed to regain strength and flexibility that I had lost during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After each session I felt several years younger. It is evident that Stephanie has a deal of great knowledge of how the body works, and knows which muscles needs the extra attention after a pregnancy. She is an inspiring and focused instructor who sees what each member of the group needs to adjust to get the most out of each exercise. I wish I had found Stephanie after my first pregnancy!
How To Start?
Essential Pilates classes are the foundation if you are a beginner of Classical Pilates. Once you know the essentials you’re welcome to book Progressive Pilates classes where we challenge you further with new exercises and a faster pace with flow. We also have Private / Duet / Group Sessions for all levels with additional Classical Apparatus (ex. Ladder barrel, Small Chair, High Chair, Spine/Foot/Toe Corrector and Pedi Pole).
Most people start with an Essential Pilates | Mat class or a Studio Session. For pregnant and new moms we recommend Pregnancy Pilates and Mama Pilates. If you are 60+ or have chronic fatigue syndromes (ex. post covid, POTS etc.) and have not exercised for a while, we recommend you start with a Vintage Pilates class.
Remember, Classical Pilates is not something you learn in one day. It is a progressive journey without an end. It takes approximately 10 classes or 5 sessions before you discover how much you have learned about your body and what Classical Pilates can do for you.
After your first class or session, your instructor will follow up with recommendations what you should continue with.
To book, you create a FREE account at my.pilatesvia.com. There you get 1 Via Credit to book a 25 min Matwork class at no cost to you at Pilates Via Odenplan or at Studio O (Online) if you prefer to train remotely. Welcome!
Questions & Answers
Contact us if you have more questions.
How much does it cost?
First. No membership fees or other frills.
Here at Pilates Via you use Via © Credits, our training credits when you book.
How much is a Via © Credit?
1 © Credit costs SEK 195 including 6% VAT.
Do you have discounts?
Yes, it will be cheaper if you buy more Via © Credits at the same time.
1-19 © no discount given
20-49 © you get our Get Started Price, i.e. 5% discount
50-99 © you get our Get Moving Price, i.e. 10% discount
100+ © you get our Get Results Price, i.e. 15% discount
We do not offer any other discounts to new clients.
How do I book?
We have no reception so you book your private session by yourself.
To book other sessions or if you have any questions please contact us and we’ll help you get started.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Can I try a class?
Absolutely! When you sign-up at my.pilatesvia.com, you get 1 Via © Credit absolutely FREE from us to book any 25 min Matwork class. If you’d rather try a 50 min Matwork class or an Apparatus (Reformer / Tower) Class, you can absolutely do that, but you need to buy an additional 1 © for a Matwork Class (50 min), Apparatus Class (25 min) or 2 © for an Apparatus Class (50 min).
How many Via © Credits do you need to train classes and privates?
- Matwork (1-8 people) Class (25 min)—1 ©
- Matwork (1-8 people) Class (50 min)—2 ©
- Apparatus (1-6 people) Class (25 min)—2 ©
- Apparatus (1-6 people) Class (50 min)—3 ©
- Duet/Trio/Group (2-4 people) Session (25 min)—3 ©
- Duet/Trio/Group (2-4 people) Session (50 min)—4 ©
- Private (1 person) Session (25 min)—4 ©
- Private (1 person) Session (50 min)—7 ©
How do I buy Via © Credits?
Sign-up on my.pilatesvia.com. We give you 1 Via © Credit for FREE which you can use to book any Matwork Class (25 min). Then you top up your account with additional Via © Credits using your card or invoice.
- Up to SEK 8,780, you pay by card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) from our secure partner Stripe.
- Over SEK 8,780, you pay by invoice.
When can I start using my Via © Credits?
- If you pay by card, your Via © Credits are added to the account as soon as the payment goes through.
- If you pay against an invoice, your Via © Credits will be added to the account when we have received the money in our bank account.
Do you have monthly or annual memberships?
Nope, we do not offer monthly or annual memberships.
We only have Via © Credits which you use to book.
Can I use my employer health benefits and train Pilates?
Yes. The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) approves Pilates training as a tax deductible exercise and wellness benefit activity. You will receive a receipt approved by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) via email after we have received your payment. The receipt contains all the details that the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) requires from your employer.
I have a disability, can I train Pilates?
It depends on your disability. We currently have clients with prosthetics who train, but we are unfortunately not able to host people who have mobility, hearing or visual impairments for safety reasons. This is something we evaluate during fall 2021 and we soon hope to be able to offer this in the future as Pilates is really good for everyone. If you are uncertain, please contact us to assess your challenges.
Can I do this?
Yes, provided you can stand, sit and lie on the floor you can do classes. If you have been recommended by a physiotherapist, doctor or have a known injury then we recommend at least one private lesson first where we go through your conditions together and how you can adapt your exercises in a class.
How often should I exercise?
To promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, prevent premature death and to maintain or improve physical capacity such as fitness and strength the following is recommended for all adults from 18 years and up:
- Be physically active in total at least 150 minutes a week. The intensity should be at least moderate. At high intensity recommended at least 75 minutes per week. The activity should be spread over at least three of days of the week. Moderate and high intensity can also be combined. More physical activity provides additional health effects.
- Muscle strengthening physical activity should be performed at least twice a week for the majority of the body’s large muscle groups.
- The elderly (defined here as adults over the age of 65) should also practice balance.
Joseph Pilates was ahead of his time and he recommended exercising 3 times a week. We believe you will see development with at least one private session or class per week as a complement to other physical activity to stretch and strengthen your entire body. If you can exercise two to three times a week, you will feel results much faster.
Pilates can be experienced as slow to high intensity depending on the your fitness level and experience from Pilates. All types of sessions and classes in Classical Pilates trains the whole body. Our Vintage classes (for 60+ and people recovering from illness) are slow to medium intensity with additional exercises to improve balance.
How late can I book / cancel?
You can book a class up until 1 hour before your class start.
You can cancel a class up until 6 hours before your class start.
You can book a session up until 12 hours before your session start.
You can cancel your session up until 12 hours before your session start.
How do I change a booking?
You sign in at my.pilatesvia.com and cancel within 6 hours for classes and 12 hours for Privates (new from 2023) before training starts.
PS: Don’t forget to change any calendar event in your calendar to the new date/time.
Pilates Via in Stockholm