What is Pilates?Pilates is an exercise system that dramatically changes the way your body looks and feels by focusing on stretching and building strength with resistance.
Pilates is excellent for developing a strong "core" or center of the body and it develops an evenly conditioned body. It elongates and strengthens muscles creating elasticity and joint mobility. No other system is so gentle with the body while giving it a challenging work out with incredible results.
What is Pilates?
Who Was Joseph Pilates?
Joseph H. Pilates is the Founder of the Pilates Technique. Born in Germany in 1880, he had a life long interest in body conditioning due to suffering from asthma, rickets and other diseases during his youth. As a frail child determined to become stronger, he later grew to become accomplished skier, diver, gymnast and boxer.
In 1912, Joseph was interned in England during World War I and he became a nurse. During this time, he designed exercise apparatus for immobilized patients by attaching springs to hospital beds. This system formed the foundation for his style of body conditioning. In 1926, he opened up his first Pilates Studio in New York City and by the 60's his clients included famous clients such as The New York Ballet and Martha Graham's Modern dance Company.
"Contrology (Pilates) is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities. "
-Joseph PIlates
