History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. As a sickly child he was determined to overcome his ailments and started doing physical exercises like gymnastics and bodybuilding. When World War 1 broke out, Pilates was interned in a camp on the Isle of Man. Here he started developing apparatus to help rehabilitate the injured and the sick. After the war, Joseph left for America. On his way there he met his future wife, Clara. In 1926 he opened his first studio in New York.
The dance community embraced his methods. Pilates had a passion for animals and animal movements, as is evident in the names of many of his exercises. Pilates believed in a holistic approach to health and fitness. He said that “Physical fitness is the first requisite to happiness”
The Pilates method has become very popular among athletes, celebrities and the health profession due to the many benefits it offers.
Benefits of Pilates
- Improves muscle tone, creating long lean muscles without bulk
- Improves posture and alignment
- Improves body awareness and the mind body connection
- Improves balance, flexibility and co-ordination
- Reduces lower back pain
- Helps to relieve stress and tension
- Improves core strength
- Improves joint mobility and range of motion
- Helps to recover from injuries
- Gentle exercises throughout pregnancy and helps in recovery after delivery
- Suitable for any age group, young and old, fit and unfit
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