Pilates

How Pilates Began:

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates who was born in 1883 in Germany. He grew up as a sickly child. As he grew older he naturally became curious about various exercise systems to build his immune system and his body. He worked so hard at getting his mind and body fit that he became an avid diver, gymnast, and skier. In 1912, he moved to England to work with the detectives at Scotland Yard as a self-defense instructor. As World War I started to unfold, he was “an interned as enemy alien along with other German nationals.” During the long internment Joseph began to refine his teaching style and technique so much so that he started training the other internees on how to use his system of exercise. For injured bedbound patients he would incorporate his training system by rigging straps to springs enabling patients to get resistance training for rehabilitation. By doing this, patients were healing at faster rates and even thriving post injury or sickness.

More interestingly, in 1918 the influenza epidemic roared through England killing thousands of people, however, Joseph Pilates trainees weren’t as effected and none of them died from the influenza outbreak. Once the war was over he was released and went back to Germany where his exercise system “Pilates” gained traction in dancing communities. In 1926, Joseph Pilates immigrated to Unites States and took up residence in New York City where he and his wife Clara Zeuner opened a fitness studio. Overtime, he began teaching students, dancing communities and other influential people. His exercise system spread like a wild fire and was coined “Pilates” after the man who created it.

Benefits of Pilates:

• Improves flexibility

• Mind & Body balance

• Improves bone density

• Strengthens “ Core Muscles” (lower back, abdominals, obliques, hips, and buttocks)

• Improves body symmetry

• Improves balance

• Decreases lower back pain

• Prevents injuries

• Improves immune system function & digestive function

• Improves weight loss