"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 H. Pilates
History of Pilates
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He was a frail child and was determined to become stronger by practicing Eastern and Western forms of exercise, including yoga. While growing up around Dusseldorf, Pilates became a skilled boxer, gymnast, skier and diver.
During World War I, Joseph Pilates was interned in England, where he taught wrestling and self-defense. He began investigating ways that he could rehabilitate bed-ridden victims of the 1918 influenza pandemic, thus creating a series of movements that could be practiced while the patients were still flat on their backs. The Pilates Universal Reformer, one of five major pieces of Pilates apparatus, is an example of this and was based on an old hospital bed.
When faced with an offer to train the New German Army in 1925, Joseph Pilates became increasingly aware of the political climate and chose to pursue a new life in America. It was en route to the U.S. that Joe met Clara, who became his second wife (nothing is known about his first marriage).
Upon arrival in New York City, Joe opened his gym and welcomed only the most dedicated of students to study with himself and his wife, Clara. Joseph Pilates called his method "The Art of Contrology" which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.
Joe passed away in 1968, leaving no will and designating no successors to carry on his work. Nevertheless, Clara Pilates continued to operate what was by then being referred to as the "The Pilates Studio" on Eighth Avenue in New York. (During Joe Pilates' life, the studio did not bear this name.)
What is the Pilates Method?
The Pilates Method is a system of exercises focusing on core strength to facilitate a full body workout. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Pilates incorporates fewer, more precise movements requiring control and form.
The benefits of the method include:
* Longer, leaner muscles
* Increased core strength and stability
* Improved posture, coordination, strength and flexibility
* Heightened body awareness
What to Wear?
Comfortable, but fitted clothing is necessary in order for the instructor to observe the movement of the body. No shoes are needed and socks are optional.
Photos taken from the book
Pilates' Return to Life Through
Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates and William John Miller
Are you a Pilates instructor that was certified through another organization but interested in the Power Pilates way of teaching?
Or are you just a Pilates fan who would like to go deeper into your practice?
October 24-26, 2008
Power Pilates Beginner Mat Certification hosted by The Movement Lab, A Pilates Studio in Troy, NY
PLEASE NOTE:
**THE DEADLINE FOR SIGNING UP IS SEPTEMBER 15, 2008**
