Pilates: a Brief History

Pilates Pure and Simple

Hello and Welcome

Today is my first post here on the Patch. I look forward to sharing with you my passion for the practice of Pilates and I would love to hear about your experience with the practice and to answer your questions and most of all I look forward to learning from you.

Let’s start with a brief history of The Method:

Pilates was originally known as Contrology and later took the name Pilates from its creator, Joseph Pilates. Joseph first used The Method to heal himself from childhood illness, and then later he used The Method to help rehabilitate soldiers injured in WWI. After escaping to the United States during WWII,  Joe opened his studio in New York City. Dancers, socialites and athletes became fast devotees of the practice, they learned that Pilates helped them to develop a body that resisted injury and moved with ease. Jo was a pioneer in the fitness world; he used the knowledge passed from his parents a gymnast and a naturopath to understand the body as a whole unit not mind then body but mind and body. He studied many philosophies, and by combing all the knowledge gained he created the Pilates practice.    

There are two schools of training for Pilate instructors, traditional and contemporary.  They are different in philosophies, but they both practice the five basic principles; concentration, control, centering, and flow, precision and breathing.

The Traditional teaching follows routines and uses apparatus designed by Joe without variance.

Contemporary follows Joseph’s teaching but also applies the use of props such as balls, circles or bands the routine order maybe changed to meet the needs of the client. I was trained in a concentration of the contemporary philosophy.

Whichever method you choose I don’t believe matters; they are both equally perfect. I do believe finding a well-trained instructor is key to making the most to your practice.

Pilates is for everyone. It meets you at your level of fitness continuing to challenge you as you grow stronger. So whether you are recovering from injury or at peak fitness level Pilates is an excellent addition to your fitness program.

Check in next for the discussion on the basic principles, breathing and balance.