pilates
Pilates is an exercise technique focusing on strengthening the deepest muscles of the body. All exercises recruit these core muscles and movement is controlled from the centre, which is often referred to as the "powerhouse".
History
The original exercises were devised by a German named Joseph Pilates. He was born in 1880, a sickly child, and dedicated his whole life to achieving physical perfection.
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He was so fit by the age of 14 that he worked as a model for anatomical charts. Joseph Pilates moved to England in 1912 where he worked as a boxer, circus performer and self-defence trainer. When the war broke out, he was interned into a prisoner of war camp where he trained the other prisoners in physical fitness. During an influenza outbreak which killed thousands, none of his fellow inmates succumbed. This event gained him much recognition. |
| Joseph Pilates at 82. |
In later years he moved to New York and set up a studio which trained mainly dancers, athletes and actors. He was still teaching until his death in 1967, at the age of 87.
His original students have carried on his work to this day and, although many versions of the technique have been developed, the principles remain the same.
Benefits
There are many benefits to practising Pilates:
- develops core strength as you are working the deepest muscles of the body
- achieves long, lean, evenly conditioned muscles
- increases strength and muscle control
- improves flexibility, stability, co-ordination and balance
- strengthens around the natural alignment of the spine, improving posture and decreasing the chance of injury
- increases self awareness, identifies strengths and weaknesses
- improves mind/body connection
- suitable for all ages and abilities
- the principles of the technique can be applied to every movement or activity in day to day life
