The term “Pilates” comes from Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1880.
As a child Pilates suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever and as a young adult became obsessed with his health and his body, wanting to overcome his own afflictions.
He studied the body and trained his own in both gymnastics and skiing. He later became a boxer, a circus performer and taught self-defense. His method for physical fitness, originally termed “Contrology”, developed long lean muscles, stability, strength and balance. The guiding principles of the Pilates method are still used as a base for most interpretations of Joseph Pilates’ work today: Concentration, Centering, Breathing, Control (Strength), Precision, Flowing Movement, Isolation, Flexibility and Routine.
When Pilates and his wife Clara emigrated to the US they opened a studio for physical fitness and were embraced by the professional dance world.
Although the method still has the same roots and principles, what is known today as the Pilates method is different from what Joseph originally proposed.
At the centre of the Pilates practice is the thinking and breathing body. The work moves from inside out, developing an understanding of the body and how it moves including: awareness/analysis of correct posture and alignment, development of core strength and stability, quality of movement versus quantity, proper execution of exercises and proper muscle recruitment.
