Pilates

Joseph Pilates

Pilates is named after its inventor – Joseph Pilates. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880, a sickly, frail child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. Determined to overcome his physical weakness he dedicated himself to becoming fit and strong. He became proficient in gymnastics, boxing, yoga and weightlifting, picking out the most effective attributes of these sporting activities to formulate a system of exercises that had the perfect balance of strength, flexibility and stamina. He devised a unique sequence of movements that worked the mind and muscles in harmony which became known as the mat-work series.

Pilates was interned in England during the first world war due to his Germanic origins. Working as a hospital orderly he refined his technique by making use of springs in resistance training he offered to bedridden patients. This was the inspiration behind the Gratz apparatus. After the war, Pilates emigrated to America and whilst on board the ship he met his future wife Clara. Together they set up a studio in New York that continued to attract top ballet dancers, gymnasts and athletes up until his death in 1967. Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Pilates changes the way you think and feel about your body and the way you carry on in your life

Over the last few years

Authentic Pilates is considered to be the purest form of Pilates, true to the teachings, philosophy and commitment of Joseph Pilates. Authentic Pilates is focused on developing the whole body. Authentic Pilates works and improves core stability, muscle control, co-ordination, alignment and balance, whilst building strength, flexibility, posture and body awareness. There is much more to Pilates than simple breathing and stretching – Authentic Pilates offers something unequivocally distinct. Authentic Pilates has proven itself for almost a century as an effective, safe method of exercise, when taught and applied correctly. It has been the workout choice for dancers, gymnasts and fitness enthusiasts for decades.

Unfortunately in recent years the word Pilates has become synonymous with almost every form of general exercise, the direct result of a court case in which a United States judge ruled the term “Pilates” generic and free for unrestricted use. Google and similar search engines will now reveal millions of organizations, which have entered the market in an attempt to capitalize on and benefit from Joseph Pilates’ unique approach to health and fitness. As a result, consumers now face extensive and conflicting information about what Pilates is, how it works and what credentials they should seek in an instructor.

Pilates didn’t just develop a brilliant approach to fitness that includes over 500 exercises; he also engineered all the equipment, specifications and tuning required to teach them properly. There is no doubt that his original methods can work wonders when applied by a properly qualified instructor who understands how to develop and tailor an Authentic Pilates workout specific to your body and capabilities. When applied correctly, it will make you look, feel and move better!

“Pilates is not a fatiguing system of dull, boring, abhorred exercises repeated daily ‘ad-nauseam.’ Neither does it demand joining a gymnasium nor the purchasing of expensive apparatus. You may derive all the benefits….in your own home.”

“Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness”

“Pilates changes the way you think and feel about your body and the way you carry on in your life.”

“Learn how to understand your body, move better, feel and look wonderful”

“Pilates is not just a word but a way of life. Pilates can be the way you walk; the way you exercise, and the way you live. You will stand taller and change the way you move. No longer is feeling better the end result of an exercise program but rather the on going benefit you feel with each of your sessions.”

Joseph Pilates