About Pilates
Who is Joseph Pilates?
Joseph H. Pilates was born in 1883 in Germany. He was a sickly child and suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever and because of these ailments he dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength. He began studying eastern and western forms of movements such as body-building, yoga, zen, and gymnastics. By the age of 14, he was posing for anatomical charts. He eventually devised the sequence of exercises and engineered all the equipment, specifications, and tuning required to teach his methods properly.
Pilates moved to England in 1912 and earned a living as a professional boxer, circus-performer, and a self-defense trainer at police schools. WWI broke out and he was interned and there he began to develop his concept of an integrated, comprehensive system of physical exercise he called "Contrology."
Pilates migrated to the USA in 1925 and on the ship he met his future wife Clara. He and Clara founded a studio in New York City and taught and supervised their students well into the 1960s. Joseph Pilates died in 1967 at the age of 84 in New York.
Benefits of the Pilates Method of Exercise:
- Pilates is Whole-Body Fitness
- Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs
- Creates Strength Without Bulk
- Increases Flexibility
- Develops Core Strength
- Improves Posture
- Increases Energy
- Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance
- Increases Awareness – Body/Mind Connection
Pilates Equipment
The Big Equipment
Reformer
With a gliding carriage that has straps on one end and springs on the other it is one of the most popular pieces of the Pilates equipment. It is a wonderful place to introduce newcomers to the Pilates Method. The reformer was originally invented to help people with their mat exercises and a perfect, complete workout can be done on this amazingly elegant piece of equipment doing non stop movements that are beautiful to watch.
Cadillac
Developed and created from a hospital bed it was designed to enable bed ridden patients to exercise. It has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want and it is big, comfortable and very supportive. There are so many elements to this luxury piece from leg springs, arm springs, fuzzy loops that you can hang from, a push through bar to stretch you out, and even a trapeze. The Cadillac is so big that it is rarely used in group classes. The best way to to experience this piece is in a private Pilates session.
The Chairs
Wunda Chair
It is such a Wunda-ful thing! It will work wonders. It can be the most challenging piece of equipment and is an excellent way to clean up ones workout and propel your abilities tenth fold. There is an extensive list of exercises that makes it a complete apparatus. To master the chair is to master oneself.
High/Electric Chair
A classic piece of equipment. It will help clients with the concept behind the method. Also, it will help with alignment, finding the center and strengthening. This apparatus is one of the most helpful and guiding pieces. Eventually the student will move on to the Wunda chair where the helping handles, the back and alignment strips will not be there!
The Barrels
Ladder/High Barrel
Lengthening and strengthening simultaneously is one of the specialities of this piece. When working on alignment, the barrel will help the client in allowing themselves to reach their maximum range of motion without the aid of resistance or any external pressure. It allows the lower body to anchor so the torso is free to lift and float to its maximum range of motion.
Spine Corrector Barrel
While restoring the natural curve of the spine it will help to open the chest, strengthen the abdominals, and it is also known to create long and lean legs.
Other Pilates Equipment
Pedi-Pull
Most exercises done on the Pedi-pull are done in standing position with heels, spine and head against the pole. This simple looking piece of equipment will definitely create challenges for balance, core strength, and leg strength.
