What is Pilates?
Pilates is a core strengthening exercise which results in stronger, leaner abs, greater spinal and pelvic stability, increased flexibility and better posture, all in about ten sessions.
Where Does Pilates Come From?
Pilates was developed over one hundred years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. Joe Pilates was afflicted with polio as a child. It was this illness and its related weakness that prompted Pilates to commit to improving his health and well being. Pilates so drastically altered his own physique through a combination of Yoga, gymnastics, calisthenics and isometrics that in a matter of a few years, he was modeling for anatomy texts. Thus began a lifetime vocation in the areas of health and wellness for Joseph H. Pilates.
In forming his own holistic and complete approach to exercise, Joe Pilates was inspired by many other exercise regimens and techniques but by placing an emphasis on the mind/body connection that cannot always be found in traditional western exercise he created something entirely unique. The Pilates method strengthens the spine while improving general flexibility and mobility by strengthening deep layer muscle groups and tendons. Pilates exercise is well known for its capacity to improve posture by increasing pelvic and spinal stability. Deep breathing techniques often overlooked in traditional western exercise methods offer the added benefit of increasing lung capacity and improving overall cardiovascular health as well as relieving stress.
Joseph Pilates continued to expand on his exercise technique (originally called Contrology ) while interned in a POW camp during World War I. Pilates taught his method to the other POWs and led them through the regimen on a daily basis. It was in the POW camp that Joseph Pilates first began developing the apparatus still used in the teaching of his exercises today. Joe adapted bed springs as resistance training equipment to either increase difficulty or offer assistance to the exercises he originally taught on the floor.
After the war, Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara - a nurse and gifted postural analyst, brought the exercise to America and perfected it in their work with Martha Graham, George Balanchine and the New York Ballet.
Despite its long hibernation in the community of the Ballet and Modern Dance worlds, Pilates is a method of exercise that is easily accessible to everyone. It may be practiced in groups or in private sessions, on the floor or on a variety of apparatus and it may be done by people of all fitness levels. Today, Pilates is more popular than ever before, as people everywhere become increasingly aware of its many benefits.