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About
The Classic Difference
The Pilates Legacy
“A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.” - Joseph Pilates
At Calabasas Classic Pilates, Mari focuses on quality over quantity. Where precise, intentional movement creates lasting results. Mindless motion has its limits, but the original Pilates method builds deep mind-body connection to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and overall health.
The Classic Equipment | GRATZ™
Mari Levitan (owner/certified instructor) is devoted to preserving and teaching the original Pilates method as developed by Joseph Pilates. Trained and certified under the late Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ closest protégé and the face behind what is known as "True Pilates", Mari brings authentic, lineage based instruction to her clients. She is passionate about sharing this transformative work and helping others experience its full potential.
Meet Mari Levitan
Mari Levitan discovered Pilates at her Aunt Mari Winsor’s studio and quickly became inspired by the profound impact it had on her body and health. While helping open a second location in Santa Monica, she earned her certification through Romana Kryzanowska’s renowned "True Pilates" program based in NYC. Mari deepened her knowledge and went on to teach private and group classes for over a decade. Influenced by Romana, her aunt, Saul Choza, Trish Garland, and countless others, Mari is passionate about carrying the classical Pilates legacy forward. Her teaching focuses on the mind-body connection, emphasizing precision, strength, control, and flexibility to help clients reach their goals.
Gratz™ is more than a Pilates brand, it's the origin story. Built to Joseph Pilates’ original specifications, each piece reflects unmatched authenticity and craftsmanship preserving his original vision. Trusted worldwide, Gratz™ delivers the true Pilates experience: precise, powerful, and timeless. Come feel the difference.
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At Calabasas Classic, we use a Gratz™ Half Cadillac Reformer. This equipment combines the functionality of a traditional Reformer with some of the key features of a full Cadillac (or Trapeze Table), allowing for a wider variety of exercises targeting the entire body.
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Tribute to Mari Winsor
Mari Winsor ("Winsor Pilates") is Mari Levitan's aunt. She passed away in 2020 from ALS. Mari Winsor's main mission in life was to get people to move. Her dance career led her to an amazing 30 year career in the pilates world. She is credited with popularizing and making Pilates accessible with her DVDs, books, and Pilates studios known worldwide as "Winsor Pilates". Capitalizing on her expert knowledge and effervescent personality, pilates is now a known body of work that is taught around the world. A tragic irony when she was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that literally kept her from moving, but Mari didn't give up. She beat the odds, and continued to inspire people everywhere to move. Her unrelenting commitment continues to inspire people even today after her passing.
Below is a link to a beautifully crafted 90 minute documentary created by Kristi Cooper, that celebrates the extraordinary life of a woman whose persistence and grit left a lasting impact. Mari's story continues to inspire countless others.