The Pilates philosophy focuses on training the mind and body to work together toward the goal of overall fitness. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He was a sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and a sunken chest. Joseph Pilates was determined to attain fitness, health and happiness despite his poor health. He developed an exercise method called “the art of Contrology” or muscle control. His approach consisted of using the mind to master ones muscles, and can be described as a hybrid of yoga and strength training.
Joe originally developed mat exercises designed to build core abdominal and back strength and promote flexibility and body control. He then designed and built an array of machines to expand his repertoire of core exercises.
During WWI Joseph Pilates rigged springs above hospital beds, allowing wounded soldiers and patients the ability to rehab while on their backs. He then developed many more medieval looking torture devices with springs, wood, pulleys and boxes which later became more refined into the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda chair and many other fun pieces of exercise equipment.
Joe was a pioneer for his time. His ideas, concepts and exercises are timeless. Yet ideas can always be improved upon, and with modern technology and advances in exercise physiology many original Pilates’ techniques have evolved and changed for the better. At club Pilates we treat the body as an integrated whole and teach a modern evolved version of the Pilates technique. The Ford Model T was a great start for the automobile industry, yet with increased technology and trial and error we have more reliable and efficient transportation. Classic Pilates is like the Model T, it was a great start but we must evolve with knowledge and Club Pilates has.