Joseph Pilates…
was born in Germany in 1880. As a former boxer and gymnast, he had a lifelong passion and interest for body conditioning. In the 1920's he developed an exercise system intended to create flexibility and strengthen the entire body. Joe brought his system to New York City in 1926 when he opened the first Pilates studio. At the time, he referred to this system as "Contrology". Today, we know it as Pilates.
Pilates is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility, strength, and balance for the whole body. It consists of a series of precise, controlled and systematic movements paired with focused breathing to engage your body, mind and inner self. Joe believed that physical and mental health were completely dependent upon one another. These movements are typically performed on specific, classically designed apparatus to support and guide the body through its transformation, while highlighting the fundamental key principles of Pilates:
The benefits of Pilates
Where to start? Strength, flexibility, and stability—primarily of the abdomen and back muscles (a.k.a the "powerhouse")—and physical and mental coordination are all key benefits of practicing Pilates.
Don’t consider yourself to be flexible? Or perhaps you feel you’re weaker on a particular side of your body? Need to work on your balance or hand-eye coordination? These are reasons why you should be doing Pilates, instead of reasons why not.
After continuous practice, you'll experience improved flexibility, coordination, posture and balance. You'll feel increased core strength, as well as improved bone density and joint health. The Pilates method teaches balance, focus, and control of the entire body, and that ability transforms over into ones every-day life. You’ll walk away from your practice feeling toned, lengthened, and energized.