In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, in 30 sessions you will have a new body.
Joseph H. Pilates
The Pilates method is a controlled way of using and moving the body as a whole - a mental and physical conditioning designed to strengthen, mobilise and flex without putting undue stress on joints. Working from a strong centre you can regain and maintain freedom of movement throughout the body. The objectives are to connect body with mind, to restore postural alignment, increase toning without bulking and enhance longer leaner muscles.
As we progress through life and experience the stresses that it can bring, we can lose the ability to move well. Pilates encourages good sound movement patterns and helps to address the way we misuse, overuse, and abuse our bodies. Most of us can learn how to re-balance our bodies through Pilates exercises, but like all things that are great you need a commitment to appreciate long term change.
If at the age of 30 or so you are still out of shape, you are old. If at the age of 60 you are supple and strong, then you are young.
Joseph H. Pilates
The Eight Principles of Pilates
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Centring
- Relaxation
- Concentration
- Co-ordination
- Flowing movement
- Stamina
Joseph Hurbertus Pilates 1880–1967
Joseph Pilates was born in Düsseldorf in 1880.
He had many illnesses as a child and suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. He was a determined character and would not be beaten by his fragility.
He experimented with many elements of fitness including yoga, gymnastics, skiing, self-defence, dance, circus training and weight training and boxing.
He was training detectives at Scotland Yard when WW1 broke out. Because of his nationality he was interned in Lancaster and then the Isle of Man. He helped in the camp hospital and it was here that he developed his techniques for fellow internees, by using springs and pulleys attached to bed frames, to help men with wartime injuries to become stronger whilst confined to their beds.
After the war, the German army asked him to work for them, but he had his sights set on New York. Whist travelling by sea to the US he met a nurse called Clara, also passionate about fitness. They later set up a studio in the same premises as dance and theatre studios in New York City.
He quickly attracted the dancers and sports people to his method, by which time he called it Controlology. Many were sent from George Balanchine and Martha Graham to improve their flexibility and form. He built a reputation that actresses and athletes alike were anxious to learn from joseph Pilates.
After his death in 1967 at the grand age of 87 (still teaching) his partner Clara continued teaching his method for a further 10 years with some of Jo’s original clients. It was these clients that continued his brilliant work and kept his dreams alive. His one dream was for the hospitals and doctors to recognise his method and prescribe it. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that Pilates really took off and has become the phenomenal success that it is today. Millions of people now have discovered the true benefits of his early work. It is now well known to health practitioners in all walks of life and respected to be the groundwork for rehabilitation and continued health and wellbeing. Joe did get his wish. (always dream big!!)