Our Story — Pilates Vita

Pilates Vita

Founded by Patricia A. Robinson in 2006 in the USA, and subsequently in St Maarten in 2014, San Francisco in 2018, and London in 2019, Pilates Vita embodies decades of experience and passion for Pilates. As a certified Physiotherapist and second-generation Master Pilates Instructor, Patricia ensures that every session is tailored to meet your unique needs, providing unparalleled professionalism and dedication to your well-being.

"VITA” means “LIFE” in Italian, echoing Joseph Pilates' vision to bring people back to a balanced, healthy life. Our mission at Pilates Vita is to guide you through the eight key principles of Pilates: Centering, Control, Concentration, Coordination, Breath, Balance, Flow, and Precision. Achieving these principles through precise movements and dedicated practice fosters mental focus and physical strength.

Our instructors are more than just teachers; they are dedicated experts who undergo rigorous training to deliver unparalleled instruction. Through an extensive certification programme and years of apprenticeship, our instructors master over 500 Pilates exercises, modifications, and variations.

This comprehensive knowledge equips them to prevent and manage injuries, understand individual physical limitations, and provide safe and effective guidance tailored to each client's unique needs. Committed to continuous education, they uphold the highest standards of excellence, ensuring every session is conducted with precision, care, and expertise. Our instructors are also fluent in several languages, allowing them to teach in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish (Patricia) and English, Portuguese, and Italian (Suelen), ensuring clear communication and personalised instruction for a diverse clientele.

Patricia Robinson, Founder and Owner of Pilates Vita

I’m a certified Pilates instructor and a member of the Pilates Method Alliance, with extensive training in both Classic and Contemporary Pilates. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I studied dance, the arts, journalism, and later physical therapy in the USA.

Through my years in these fields, I developed a passion for body movement, fitness, nutrition, and natural cures. I then pursued an extensive educational program in Holistic Body Healing Therapy, which has profoundly changed my life. The introduction of Pilates into my life complemented my existing knowledge and experiences related to healing the body and fitness simultaneously. For me, Pilates is a healing process, a workout, and most importantly, a pleasure in helping people connect better with their bodies and minds, providing everyone with the fluid feeling of conscious movement through Pilates.

In 2000, in Rio, I had my first contact with the Pilates Method, and for 20 years since then, it has become my life's work. In 2002, upon moving to Manhattan, USA, I practiced in three different studios. I was fortunate to learn from two wonderful Master teachers directly certified by Joseph Pilates himself. These first-generation teachers instilled in me the passion to become a master teacher and carry on the legacy and privilege of learning the pure Pilates Method from the first generation of Pilates teachers worldwide, for which I am humbly thankful.

In 2003, I moved to San Francisco, continuing my Pilates training. In 2006, after relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona, I decided to dedicate my life full-time to Pilates and Physical Therapy. I opened my first Pilates Vita studio in Denver, Colorado, where I resided for eight years, teaching Pilates every day. There, I not only had the pleasure of teaching my clients but also initiated my own Pilates Certification program for teacher trainees, whom I fondly refer to as my kids. I trained some amazing teachers who continue to spread the seeds of their knowledge with the same passion that I instilled in them. They are continuing the legacy in the correct and ethical ways as Joseph Pilates brought to us in his Method, "Contrology" - when you control your body instead of your body controlling you.

Over the past four years, I dedicated myself to developing an incredible Pilates Retreat on the stunning Dutch & French Caribbean islands of St. Maarten & St Barth. There, I had the privilege of working with clients from around the world, teaching and speaking in four different languages. It was an enriching experience that led to lifelong friendships across the globe. I am immensely grateful for this journey.

During my time at the retreat, I created videos and workshops introducing new Pilates exercises tailored for specific injuries, surgeries, and medical issues such as scoliosis, sciatica, neck, and knee problems, as well as specialised programs for Pregnancy & Postpartum.

In 2017, following Hurricane Irma's devastation of St. Maarten & St. Barth, I decided to transition from the islands and recreate the intimate studio experience of my Caribbean retreat in cities like San Francisco, London, Paris, and Rome. In 2018, a Pilates Vita wellness Studio opened in San Francisco, led by one of my most dedicated trainees.

In September 2019, a new Pilates Vita studio opened in London. Similar to the San Francisco location, this boutique studio in Europe offers personalised Pilates and holistic wellness practices in a discreet setting. Sessions accommodate only 1 to 4 clients per session, ensuring personalised instruction and physical therapy guidance even in a group setting.

With over two decades of practice, I am a firm believer in the Pilates Method combined with holistic and natural healing. It has profoundly impacted my body, mind, and life, as well as the lives of those I have had the privilege to work with.

For me, the study of body movement is an infinite journey of continuous learning. I am dedicated to expanding my studies and knowledge to develop new ideas for my courses and nurture future generations of great teachers every day.

In the realm of body movement, I have developed and trained numerous teachers globally with my own method within the Pilates world, which I call the “CONSCIENCE OF MOVEMENT THRU PILATES.” My aim with this method is to help clients understand their body's movement during class and in their daily lives, fostering a conscious approach to movement wherever they are.

Whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, I would be honoured to be your guide on this transformative journey of body movement reeducation. As Joseph Pilates famously said, “Pilates will bring you back to life!” Welcome back to life with the “Conscious of your Movements at Pilates Vita”.