What is Pilates?
Pilates (/pɪˈlɑːtiːz/;[1][2] German: [piˈlaːtəs]) is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates called his method "Contrology". Pilates uses a combination of around 50 repetitive exercises to spur muscle exertion. Each exercise flows from the "five essentials": breath, cervical alignment, rib and scapular stabilization, pelvic mobility, and utilization of the transversus abdominis.
About Joseph Pilates
Pilates was created by a German man named Joseph Pilates. As a child, he suffered from chronic illness, but he was determined to improve his health and build strength. This drive led him to pursue bodybuilding. He also delved into anatomy and explored various forms of exercise, documenting the outcomes. In addition to studying Western practices, he immersed himself in Eastern disciplines like yoga, tai chi, and martial arts.
Although Joseph Pilates was German, he was living in Britain when World War I broke out. As a German national, he was interned by the British, and it was during this time that he began developing his method. With his knowledge of anatomy and exercise, Pilates started working as a nurse in the camp. He began experimenting with attaching springs to the beds and creating exercises to help tone and rehabilitate injured soldiers, which led to the early development of the modern reformer.
In 1923, Pilates moved to the United States and opened his first studio in New York, where he began using the original reformers—beds with sliding platforms that utilized springs for resistance. His method quickly gained popularity, particularly among dancers like George Balanchine and Isadora Duncan. They found Pilates’ approach, which he originally called “Contrology,” to be incredibly effective for recovering from injuries and preventing future ones. From there, the method grew in popularity and evolved into what we practice today.
About Pilates
What exactly is Pilates? Joe Pilates believed that physical and mental health were deeply connected, which is why his method offers both a physical and mental workout. The Pilates approach emphasizes correct alignment, control, breath, smooth movement, and concentration. Unlike traditional exercises that focus on repetition, Pilates prioritizes precision and control in every movement. He saw the core as the “powerhouse” of the body, so every Pilates class targets and strengthens the core, which includes muscles like the Transverse Abdominis, back muscles, and the Pelvic Floor.
Pilates classes help build overall body strength, flexibility, and create lean muscle tone, with an emphasis on lengthening the body rather than bulking it up. Practicing Pilates can lead to a slimmer physique, improved flexibility, and better mobility. You'll likely become more attuned to your body’s movements and sensations, and mentally, it can help reduce stress and increase focus. Since Pilates is low-impact, it's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and you can adjust exercises to match your ability. This makes it difficult to plateau, allowing Pilates to be a sustainable and lifelong fitness practice.
