PILATES
Who is Joseph Pilates?
Pilates is a group of physical exercises and training techniques created by Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness enthusiast, in the early 20th century. He was often sick as a child so he dedicated his life to improving his physical fitness. Growing up he was a gymnast, diver and bodybuilder, and upon moving to England he earned a living as a self-defense trainer at Scotland Yard, a professional boxer and a circus performer. During World War I he and all other Germans living in England at the time were placed in internment camps and while there, he developed his concept of an integrated and comprehensive system of physical exercises he called “Contrology.” In addition to his knowledge of athletics and body-building he also studied yoga and collaborated with experts in both fitness and dance. He even studied the movement of animals to get an idea of how creatures move naturally and practically without the use of modern technology. Joseph Pilates believed that it was the modern style of life, poor posture and inefficient breathing that caused poor health. After moving to the United States in the mid 1920s, Pilates and his wife Clara opened a studio in New York City to teach his exercise method. By the mid 1930s the Pilates method was being used by professional dancers, boxers and professional athletes for training and rehabilitation. Today the Pilates method is being used by everyone from the general public to professional dancers and elite athletes to stay in shape, strengthen their core and to prevent and rehabilitate injuries.
Pilates is a group of physical exercises and training techniques created by Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness enthusiast, in the early 20th century. He was often sick as a child so he dedicated his life to improving his physical fitness. Growing up he was a gymnast, diver and bodybuilder, and upon moving to England he earned a living as a self-defense trainer at Scotland Yard, a professional boxer and a circus performer. During World War I he and all other Germans living in England at the time were placed in internment camps and while there, he developed his concept of an integrated and comprehensive system of physical exercises he called “Contrology.” In addition to his knowledge of athletics and body-building he also studied yoga and collaborated with experts in both fitness and dance. He even studied the movement of animals to get an idea of how creatures move naturally and practically without the use of modern technology. Joseph Pilates believed that it was the modern style of life, poor posture and inefficient breathing that caused poor health. After moving to the United States in the mid 1920s, Pilates and his wife Clara opened a studio in New York City to teach his exercise method. By the mid 1930s the Pilates method was being used by professional dancers, boxers and professional athletes for training and rehabilitation. Today the Pilates method is being used by everyone from the general public to professional dancers and elite athletes to stay in shape, strengthen their core and to prevent and rehabilitate injuries.
What is Pilates?
|
Pilates is a physical conditioning program designed to strengthen the body in an elongated position, mobilize the spine and develop strength and endurance in the core. Elongation with Pilates helps to decompress the joints and spine as you move through an exercise. Even when the spine is arched or rounded, rather than "crunch" the spine, you want to lengthen it as you move, and strengthen the muscles around it. Movements in the Pilates method help to mobilize your spine in all planes of motion, which is key to a healthy and strong back.
Your core consists of the muscles in your body, specifically targeting those that fall between your shoulders to the mid-thigh, upper arms included. All physical movements, including everyday activity, should initiate from core muscles. We have a tendency to move from our arms and legs (i.e., in an appendicular manner), rather than from our torso (axially), where movement is more efficient, practical, and safer. The Pilates method requires focus and concentration. Movement quality is highlighted rather than quantity builds muscular control. Pilates was originally called “Contrology,” referring to the ability of the mind to control the body. The flowing movement produces strength in the body from the inside outward. It is an efficient group of exercises where energy from your core, coupled with deep breathing, coordinates the movements of your arms and legs. |
|