What is Pilates?
Pilates is based on principles of functional movement - a system of exercises designed to develop efficiency and ease of movement throughout the whole body in a balanced way. This exercise system originated in the early 1900’s, created by German-born Joseph Pilates while he was detained in an internment camp on the Isle of Man during WW1. Joseph Pilates (“Joe”) immigrated to the United States and opened his original New York City studio in 1926 where he continued to refine his method which he referred to as “Contrology”. It was Joe’s belief that by practicing Contrology or “The Art of Control”, following a specific order of exercises and learning to breathe properly you could rid yourself of chronic pain and rebalance your body enabling you to move better.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” ~ Joseph Pilates
Joe continued to refine his method until his death in 1967. The Pilates Method, as it became known, is based upon six essential principles: Centering, Breath, Concentration, Control, Precision and Flow. The method focuses on developing strength, stamina, stability, stretch and alignment. The result of a consistent Pilates practice is increased core strength, improved coordination and balance. The core, often referred to as your “powerhouse”, is essential to stability whether you are standing or in motion. The powerhouse consists of the muscles of the abdomen, low back, hips and seat and every Pilates exercise involves engaging several of these muscle groups at the same time. Having a strong, stabile core allows you to move in a safer manner with less stress on the joints and decreased risk of injury.
Joe’s original mat program consisted of 34 exercises performed in a specific order progressively building each exercise upon the previous exercise. While the mat work forms the foundation of the Pilates Method, Joe was also a prolific inventor. During his lifetime he designed a variety of equipment (known as “apparatus”) in order to assist his students in developing the strength and skills necessary to perform the mat exercises. The most well known and popular of the apparatus is the Universal Reformer (“Reformer”) so called for “universally reforming the body”. Other Pilates apparatus frequently found in a Pilates studio include: The Cadillac (also known as the “Trapeze Table”), Wunda Chair, High Chair (also known as the “Electric Chair”), Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel, Pedi-Pole, Baby Chair, Magic Circle and Foot Corrector. Instructors will utilize any combination of the apparatus while working with clients in order to help them improve strength and imbalances. With over 500 exercises (including mat and apparatus), Pilates is truly customizable for each individual client’s needs.