WHAT IS PILATES ?
Pilates is the word commonly used to describe a method of exercise created over 90 years ago by Joseph H. & Clara Pilates. Joe Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and as a young man, he began a life-long study of health and physical fitness. Over many years of experimentation and implementation, Joe and his wife Clara developed over 500 exercises that they called the “Art of Contrology” and today we call Pilates.
Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States in 1926, opened a workshop and began training dancers, boxers and acrobats. Back then, those were about the only folks who had a serious interest in developing and maintaining their physical health and fitness. Over time, Joseph & Clara’s work became well known and their business grew. He spent more than 50 years refining his exercise method. When he passed away in 1967, his legacy was passed down through a number of his students (referred to as First Generation Teachers).
Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. The Pilates method of movement focuses on postural symmetry, breath control, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilization, muscular flexibility, joint mobility and strengthening through the complete range of motion of all joints.
Pilates works all muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the "powerhouse" (the abdominals, back, hips, thighs and bottom). The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which invigorates rather than exhausts. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient system in sport and daily activity. The exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialized equipment with names like Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel.
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