History of Pilates - Blog Pinker - World News Blog Website and Articles

History of Pilates

Friday, 04 May 2007

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates around 1914. Born in England in 1880, Joseph was a frail child who suffered from many health afflictions. In an attempt to strengthen his body and regain control of his health, he began experimenting with various types of exercise. Forty years later, Joseph Pilates perfected his routine through a series of movements now known as Pilates. Throughout Pilates' lifetime he became a self-taught yoga instructor and Zen practitioner. He also became one of England's most well-respected boxers.

In 1914, Joseph Pilates was imprisoned during WWI. During this time he taught fellow prisoners' yoga and developed a system of exercises known as "matwork", or exercises done on the floor. Pilates named his exercise system "Contrology" because it focused on controlled breathing.

Around 1917, Joseph Pilates was transferred to another prisoner camp. There he became a caretaker of soldiers and civilians who were stricken with physical injuries and wartime diseases. During this time, Pilates developed equipment for rehabilitation purposes. Using bed springs, he was able to develop a device that offered spring resistance and movement for patients who were bedridden.

When Joseph Pilates was released from prison, he returned to Germany and began teaching his exercise routines to the dance community. Hanya Holm adopted many of Pilates' exercises for her modern dance curriculum. Today they are still an integral part of the "Hold Technique."

Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States in 1926. During his voyage from Germany to the United States, he met a woman named Clara, whom he later married. Soon after they were married, Joseph and Clara opened a fitness studio in New York.

Joseph and Clara's clients included ballerinas from the New York City Ballet troupe, as well as many other professional dancers.

In 1964, the New York Herald Tribune featured an article about Joseph Pilates and his "odd" exercise routine. Soon after, Pilates became the favorite choice of exercise amongst dancers and ballerinas across the country.

Joseph Pilates developed "Contrology" to help people realign their bones and improve their posture. The purpose of Pilates exercise is to help individuals create balance within their body. It is an excellent exercise for everyone, regardless of their shape, size, or physical condition. Pilates can be used by people with disabilities, arthritis, strength or weight loss issues, and even women who are pregnant.

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