What is Pilates?

 

Pilates is an exercise philosophy, method, and movement modality designed to balance, strengthen, and lengthen the body. Pilates promotes both fitness and personal centering through the use of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns and critical connections. The system's ability to prevent and rehabilitate injury makes it an important supplement to dance, sports, and overall well being. 

 

 

Who is Joseph Pilates?

 

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883 with many ailments including asthma. However, he turned to skiing, diving, gymnastics and boxing as he grew older to overcome his limitations. During the outbreak of WWI, Joe refined his exercise system, created the first versions of the apparatus by attaching springs and pulleys to hospital beds, and trained others while in an England internment camp. When England suffered an influenza epidemic in 1918, not a sinlge one of Joe's trainees died despite the virus killing thousands. After being relased back to Germany and gaining recognition among the dance community's Rudolf von Laban and Hanya Holm, Joe came to the United States in 1926 to open a fitness studio in New York City. Joe continued to teach until his death in 1967, at the age of 87 years old. However, his work continued to flourish as his long time students, known as the "Elders," continued to teach the work and open up their own studios. Thanks to Romana Kryzanowska, Ron Fletcher, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel, Eve Gentry, Bruce King, Mary Bowen, and Robert Fitzgerald the Pilates system has grown to be the internationally recognized system we know today. Joe was certainly right when he once claimed he was 50 years ahead of his time. 

 

 

The 6 Pilates Principles: 

 

These 6 essential concepts are the foundation of the Pilates approach to exercise. These 6 principles are what makes Pilates unique in the fitness world:

 

   1. Concentration

   2. Control

   3. Centering 

   4, Precision

   5. Breath

   6. Flowing Movement 

 

The Benefits of Dedicated Pilates Practice:

 

• Builds long, lean muscle

• Develops core strength

• Improves balance

• Increases flexibility 

• Improves posture

• Prevents injury 

• Improves circulation 

• Enhances sport performance

• Improves endurance