Pilates History

This physical fitness system was developed by Joseph
Pilates in the early 20th century. As of 2005, there were
11 million people who practiced this method regularly and
there were approximately 14,000 instructors in the U.S.A.

Pilates names his method of exercise Contrology as he
believed that his Pilates Method used one’s mind to control
the body’s muscles.

The program’s main focus is on the core postural muscles.
These help to keep the body balanced, and these muscles
also help to provide support for the spine.

Pilates exercises make a person aware of breath and the
alignment of the spine. An emphasis is also placed on
strengthening the deep torso muscles which are so important
in helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.

Joseph Pilates first formed this method during World War I
in an effort to improve the rehabilitation program that
would be needed by many of the returning veterans.

He believed that physical and mental health are essential
to each other. His precise movements emphasized form and
control to help the injured soldiers regain their health by
stretching, strengthening and stabilizing key muscles.

-The Pilates Principles- were created by Joseph Pilates to
condition the entire body which includes proper alignment,
concentration, precision, flowing movement, centering,
control and breathing.

You can expect a Pilates session to help increase strength
and flexibility, align the spine and lengthen the body. The
Pilates method does not build muscle mass.

The fields of rehabilitation and fitness encourage Pilates
for its focus on the lower back muscles as well as those of
the abdomen.