Tell me about Pilates

The Pilates Method was created by Joseph H. Pilates to fortify core stability, encourage proper body positioning and muscle performance. This age old method is described as a small number of repetitions of certain actions, centering the mind to work the body. Pilates engages full body contribution with each and every movement beginning in the core.

During World War I, when Joseph went to prison camp in England, that this passionate man began testing his home grown program on hurt soldiers from the war. For those soldiers whowere unable to move well, this dedicated healer assembled their infirmary beds with springs, generating something for them to use to help them regain their former health and strength.

It sounds crazy, Joseph connected springs to the mattresses of immobile patients and then simply created an exercise program in which the patients would either push or pull against the springs in order to form resistance. While utilizing spring resistance, these bed-bound patients were able to move in an organized and protected manner. This allowed the patient’s muscles to work in such a manner that these muscles were toned and lengthened in conjunction with one another.

Even Pilates’ original method was founded on the excellence of the movement and not the number.

The interesting thing is that it was from that experimentation came the design for the standard Pilates Reformer and some of those same original exercises are still used today. Jospeh used the Pilates Reformer for his earliest patients and the design mimicked those hospital beds to which he fixed springs in order to get the soldiers who had a decrease in their mobility to exercise. The ever so simple device patterned after his early work with the soldiers recovering from battle was designed with a moving board and springs, and Jospeh could modify the pressure on the springs to generate more or less tension based on the wants and desires of his client.

So from the original springs connected to the beds of immobile patients, he went on to create several more spring-based pieces of equipment with adjustable straps and movable bars. Those who used them found them helpful in restoring mobility and flexibility. When Joseph brought his method of condition to the United States in the 1920s, dancers and atheletes including the respected dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham, without hesitation embraced the Pilates Method. Really getting it immediately theseearly pupils quickly developed pure pleasure for Joseph’s methodology, athletes and dancers alike couldn’t quit talking about the amazing Pilates method.

Having found success with his initial exercise program, he decided to improve his method of Pilates. Previously a client had to utilize workout apparatus similar to the Reformer to perform Pilates but with the re-designed exercise program, Joseph’s customers were able to perform the Pilates method of exercise on mats alone. This one variation caused his clientale to advance by leaps and bounds.

His exercise method has been called the ideal overall health and fitness program for men, women, boys and girls, regardless of the age. Pilates' emphasis on core strengthening and stability helped to create a comprehensive programfor a complete body workout. A well rounded program such as Pilates is well-suited for lifetime practice presenting you with improved health and wellness.

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