It would seem that people are more conscious of their health and fitness than ever before. The methods to achieve Fitness are numerous and varied. Pilates was developed over 100 years ago. Let’s take a look into what is Pilates, and it’s origins. Also, how can it benefit you? Is it true that Pilates is for everyone? I certainly think that it is. I personally started training in the Pilates method about 20 years ago. My motivation for studying to become certified as an instructor was quite unusual.
WHAT! Can’t ALL 9 year-olds touch their toes
As everyone well knows, figure skating requires a decent amount of flexibility. Personally, I’ve never thought of touching your toes as a great flexibility marker. After all, can’t most people under the age of 80 do that? Well, after noticing that more than one of my 9 year old figure skater students couldn’t touch their toes, I decided to become a certified Pilates instructor. Since that time, I have noticed a great improvement in posture, flexibility, and core strength in those that take Pilates.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise method that increases flexibility and core strength. Not only does it increase overall physical strength, but also decreases stress levels. It is quite easily adapted for those who seek rehabilitation of injuries. The strength training, as well as the increase in range of motion and flexibility are often exactly what is needed as an injury heals. It also improves posture. This alone is a wonderful end result, because poor posture has been linked to causing many biomechanical issues.
Where did it originate?
This form of training was developed by Joseph Pilates. He was born in 1880. As a child growing up in his native Germany he was afflicted by many illnesses. As a result, he always had a desire to understand how to improve the condition of his body. Therefore, as part of his research he became involved in many activities, from yoga to Roman wrestling. His teenage years proved to be quite different. He was no longer the sickly child and actually excelled in athletics including bodybuilding, diving, gymnastics, and skiing.
Fitness developed for the infirmed
When he later developed this fitness method, its purpose was to include both mental and physical training. It wasn’t until his time spent during World War I in a British internment camp that his first Pilates breakthrough came about. He designed what we know today as “The Cadillac”. That is a piece of Pilates equipment that you will find in most Pilates studios. Some amazing things can be done on it. Oh, how I wish I could have one at home! His original design was quite simple but clever as he had to use what he could find. So what did he do? He hooked springs of hospital beds so as to create a device that even bedridden patients in the internment camp could use and benefit from.
This was during the time of the pandemic of 1918 otherwise known as the Spanish Flu. Interestingly, as many were being infected by this flu throughout Europe, none of the patients that he worked with were infected. Why? It is because the Pilates method stimulates the immune system. After coming to America in the 1920s, Joseph and his wife Clara opened up an exercise studio in New York City. His methodology was picked up for training dancers by many of the Great Legends in dance including George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Jerome Robbins.
Pilates is for You
If you have never been to a Pilates class, it is well worth going to at least one to try it out. In addition to the strengthening and stretching, your body will develop muscles that perhaps you never knew that you had. If you are on a weight loss program, this will only enhance the results. In addition, regarding weight loss, GO HERE for an amazing helper in your weight loss journey. Yes, this is for YOU!
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