Pilates
"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier."
-Joseph H. Pilates at age 86
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of body conditioning that has become one of the most popular forms of fitness training available today. Introduced in 1926 to New York City by Joseph H. Pilates, a fitness visionary 50 years ahead of his time. His method came from decades of research and self-study, which included apprenticeship in Yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. He was a trained boxer and acrobat, and rehabilitated injured WWI soldiers. Rather than focus on sets of repetitive weight-bearing movements, Pilates developed a series of specialized exercises to build strength, control and flexibility. Many of the exercises can be practiced using nothing more than a floor mat, although hundreds more were developed using a series of specialized machines. Pilates taught his method, known as “Contrology” until 1967, when he died at the age of 87.
What’s so special about Pilates?
Pilates is challenging for the seasoned student, yet attainable for moderate or even occasional exercisers. With hundreds of exercises and variations, Pilates can be tailored to the sport specific enthusiast, such as a golfer, surfer, or tri-athlete; while gentle enough for seniors, pregnant women, those with injuries and post-rehab patients. No matter what your fitness level and goals are today, a Pilates program can be designed specifically for you.
What are the exercises like?
Pilates exercises are composed of “mat work” and those movements performed on a variety of specialized equipment, referred to as “apparatus”. These include the Reformer, the Cadillac or Trapeze Table, the Chair, the Barrel and several other specialized pieces of equipment.
Pilates exercises focus on very precise movements that isolate muscle groups and develop core strength. Proper control and form are emphasized rather than high repetitions, the result, a balanced muscular-skeletal system with strong, flexible muscles and improved posture.
How is Pilates taught?
As a general rule, Pilates should be taught one on one, in a one-hour session by a certified Pilates instructor. This is especially true in the beginning and especially with any exercises that use the apparatus. A typical private session consists of apparatus, mat work and specialized exercises to address the clients individual fitness goals. The instructor insures the client builds strength, control and balance before moving on to more advanced exercises.
What is the difference between Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates?
Classical Pilates refers to the method that bears the closest resemblance to Joseph Pilates method, which he called “Contrology”. It is taught using the original names and order that Pilates used himself.
Contemporary Pilates is the next generation of Pilates adapting the teachings of Joseph Pilates with modern science.
