Brief
History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He was a
sickly child, plagued with rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever.
His drive to overcome these ailments led him to explore and
practice bodybuilding, gymnastics, diving and other physical
pursuits. He studied Eastern and Western philosophies
and forms of exercise and was greatly influenced by Greek
and Roman regimens. This background provided him with
the foundation, shaped by his experiences, to innovate a system
that he developed thoughout his life.
In
1912, while interned during World War I, he taught and practiced
his physical fitness program and began devising apparatus
to aid in the rehabilitation of the disabled and sick.
In
1925 he emigrated to America and en route met a young nurse
named Clara. She became his wife, and shortly thereafter,
an integral partner in helping develop and teach his method.
In 1926 they set up their first studio in New York City, which
attracted a diverse population including socialites, circus
performers, gymnasts, dancers and athletes.
Over
the course of his career Pilates developed more than 600 exercises
for the various pieces of aparatus he invented. His
guiding philosophy was that achieving good health means that
the whole being -- body, mind and spirit -- must be addressed.
What
is Pilates? |
- Balance
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Strong
center
- Mobile
Joints
|
- Postural
Awareness
- Toned
muscles
- Efficient
movement
- Neuromuscular
Connection
- Coordination
|
The
Guiding Principles of Pilates
1:
Become Aware
Be present in the movement with mind and body.
2: Achieve Balance
Uniformly develop musculature so the body can function unhindered,
flexibility can be present, and well-being achieved.
3: Breathe Correctly
Breathing is the inner shower that cleanses the body, promotes
natural movement, relaxes the mind and calms the spirit.
4: Concentrate Deeply
Ensure a deep focus of the work to allow you to block out
unnecessary thoughts and perform each movement to the maximum
of your ability.
5: Center Yourself
Discover and experience your body's center of gravity -- your
"powerhouse." All movement emanates from this
core.
6: Gain Control
Achieve control of movement through practice of the work.
7:
Be Efficient
Focus the work where it is needed, exerting the required amount
of energy, no more and no less.
8:
Create Flow
Connect
movement to movement.
9:
Be Precise
Without
precision, Pilates work becomes almost meaningless. Precision
requires awareness, concentration and control.
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