A Quick History of Pilates

What is Pilates

Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s!

Pilates was interned in a hospital in Germany during WWI and he used the springs from the bed to rehabilitate his muscles. It wasn’t long before he started helping others to heal their bodies from various injuries and he vowed that fitness would be his way of life.

Growing up, he was a boxer and did gymnastics, which helped to form the basis of his famous Pilates mat exercises. He immigrated to the U.S in the 1930’s and began working with dancers in New York City. Along with his wife, Clara, a nurse, he developed the Pilates equipment that is used today in many Pilates studios.

The Method

Pilates has evolved and expanded over time, but continues to incorporate the basic principles of Jospeh Pilates: breathing, concentration, centering and control, coordination, and rhythm.

Pilates is a Whole Body Movement method and involves the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.

It can be performed on a mat on the floor or with Pilates equipment that assists movement, creates challenge, and provides variety

Benefits

Regular Pilates movement improves muscular and joint flexibility, core control, physical stamina, breathwork, coordination, and improves balance.