Who was Joseph Pilates?

 

“Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness“- Joseph Pilates 

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He was a sickly child who suffered from a variety of ailments including asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. So he became determined to overcome his physical weaknesses and dedicated himself to becoming physically fit and strong. 

Through hard work and dedication he became proficient at various activities including bodybuilding, diving , and gymnastics. By the time he was 14 yrs old he was able to work as a model for anatomical charts. 

In 1912 , Pilates moved to the U.K , where he worked as a boxer, circus performer and a self-defense trainer to detectives. During WWI he was taken as a prisoner of war ( due to his nationality) and placed in the work camps. During his time on the Isle of Man, he became a nurse and developed a fitness routine for the other internees. He began constructing equipment by attaching the bed-springs to walls so the inmates could use the springs to exercise while lying on their beds. During the ‘flu epidemic of 1918 – Joseph Pilates regime was credited for the fact that none of the inmates in his ward , succumbed to the Influenza. 

After the war he returned to Germany, where he continued his exercise program and was drafted into the army. In 1926 , disenchanted with German policies, he set sail for the U.S . On board ship he met Clara who later became his wife. When Joseph Pilates arrived in New York , he set up his first exercise studio. By the 1940’s he had achieved great popularity with the Dance world . By the 1960’s many of New Yorks dancers, actors, gymnasts and athletes were regulars at his studio. 

The original exercises developed by Joseph Pilates consisted of 34 moves. Pilates influence came from his study of various sports and exercise routines from both the Eastern and Western disciplines.His routine was not simply a set of physical movements separate from other aspects of life, but part of a program designed to improve an individuals overall fitness and well-being. His routine was never formalized , rather he preferred to adapt the moves to the needs of each individual. 

As a result , although the basic principles of Pilates are unchanging, different teachings vary in style and emphasis. 

Reportedly Joseph Pilates used to conduct interviews in this position.

Joseph Pilates believed that in order to achieve happiness it’s important to gain control of your body. With visualization, physical strengthening and stretching of the body, mental vigour and improved blood flow returns to inactive brain cells. This renewed spirit of thought and movement is the first step to stress reduction , fluidity of movement, and greater enjoyment of life. 

Often we envy the suppleness and vitality of children , often those seem to be traits we no longer possess. However with patience, perseverance and a strong will , all things are possible. 

“Ideally our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.” – Joseph Pilates.

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Pilates you say? Let me tell you why you need it!

There is an ever-growing awareness of the importance of looking after ourselves on all levels – body, mind and spirit. With this awareness we look to better ways of creating the healthy body, mind and  lives we all want. Perhaps this is why in recent years there is an increase in the popularity of Pilates.

Pilates was developed in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates and was one of the first exercise systems in the West to take a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. Pilates is a technique that offers a unique method of body control and conditioning. This technique strengthens and lengthens our muscles while improving flexibility, balance and posture.
Although Joseph Pilates was born in a different era, he still understood the physical and mental pressures of a busy schedule. He believed his method would propel people to become more productive both physically and mentally. This is the reason that the Matt work is designed to fit into the physical and time constraints of the individual , without reducing the advantages of the Pilates method.

Pilates is an invaluable system that works marvellously in conjunction with other exercise programs, by improving our body awareness we reduce the possibility of injury or strain while performing our regular exercise routines.With regular Pilates practice we are able to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, thereby being able to work towards rebalancing our bodies . The focus in Pilates is primarily to strengthen the “Core” or “Powerhouse” regions. This means using the Abdominal muscles to control the movements . In many other forms of Strength building exercises, the goal is to develop the limbs themselves. In Pilates we work to stretch and lengthen the muscles, allowing the body to become stronger and firmer , without adding bulk.

We also learn to focus on training the mind and body to work together in order to achieve our goal of overall fitness. Another important factor in teaching our minds and bodies to work together is by using visual imagery. Using Visual images to engage your mind, you are able to sub-consciously call upon your muscles without needing to have technical knowledge of muscles and their functions. By telling yourself to “sit up tall as if you head was being pulled to the ceiling by a rope” , you are presenting your mind and body with a challenge that works to unify them in their efforts to achieve your goals.

To really benefit from the Pilates technique it is essential to master the movements and to commit to regular practice routine. It is also important to examine your current life-style and make changes where necessary. Make sure you get enough rest and eat a healthy diet as well as maintaining your level of fitness and well-being. Reduce stress and keep a positive outlook on life.

“Sound body, Sound mind” – Joseph Pilates.

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