About PhysicalMind Canada, Joan Briebart
and Joseph Pilates Exercises

PhysicalMind Canada is the Canadian branch of the PhysicalMind Insitute, one of the largest organizations for trainers of Pilates. In 1991, Joan Briebart worked with Eve Gentry, a woman who had worked directly with Joseph Pilates in the 1940s, to found the Institute.

At PhysicalMind Canada, we believe in re-educating the body through movement, increasing physical awareness, and connecting to breath. Pilates trains for natural, correct and efficient movement. Clients become empowered as concepts learned in the studio are integrated into their everyday life.

Pilates is a preventative system of movement which focuses on core strength and proper alignment. The exercises help build bone density, increase joint mobility, improve muscle tone, organ mobility and functioning, as well as improve overall strength and flexibility of the body. Its focus on the breath aids in toxin release. Pilates is recognized as a key component of any body rehabilitation program; its emphasis on the internal stabilizer muscles teaches the body how to move efficiently, preventing injury.

Pilates focuses on postural alignment, and requires coordination, balance, grace and agility. Joseph Pilates termed his system of exercise Contrology, highlighting the control needed to perform the movements. Today we continue to build on his original insights to create an organic and intelligent workout.

Mission Statement:  

"At the PhysicalMind Institute, our goal is to provide the most effective, highest quality training and pilates instruction for our students. TheMethod Pilates uses an innovative, functional and rehabilitative approach, focusing on ease and economy of movement.  The PhysicalMind Institute's application of TheMethod Pilates is truly an evolution in the practice of Pilates."

Learn More Abount PhysicalMind Institute History

Back in the Fall of 1991, we mailed our very first forum to one hundred fifty Method Pilates teachers.

On our board of advisors was a group of individuals who learned Pilates from Joseph himself.  Their names are Romana Krysanova, Carola Trier, Bruce King, Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher and Eve Gentry.  These six were referred to as the “Master Teachers” and their students, the second generation.

That same year Eve Gentry taught the very first PhysicalMind Institute workshop.  She introduced modification principles and the fundamentals of pilates.  At the time, we never imagined her pilates training material would be taken by second generation teachers, transformed and given to competing pilates training and certification studios.  Imitation is certainly a strong form of flattery, but only if the imitators credit and reference their knowledge source.   

At the PhysicalMind Institute we innovate to develop natural system of movement. 

Learn more about our method pilates certification program.