History of Pilates

The Pilates Method was developed in the early 1920’s by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, one of the most innovative bodyworkers of the 20th century. Born in Mönchengladback in Germany, Joseph suffered very bad ill health as a child. Determined to overcome this he studied anatomy and forms of fitness and as a young man became a boxer, gymnast and physical trainer. He emigrated to the USA in 1926 where along with his partner, Clara, he opened a studio in New York which he ran until he died in 1967.

Pilates isn’t just another exercise method. Based on the principles of anatomy and biomechanics, it is a truly holistic form of body conditioning as it stresses the importance of the integration of both mind and body. Joseph didn’t name the method after himself (Pilates was adopted much later) but called it Contrology. He wanted clients to perform the exercises with control, the focus always being on the quality of movement rather than endless repetitions. This requires deep muscular engagement without straining or force. The aim is not to push the body to the point of fatigue but to challenge it in order to build strength incrementally. Overall, Pilates corrects and improves posture and muscle imbalances, breathing, suppleness, bone health and muscle strength whilst developing body awareness. In short, Pilates is movement therapy for the whole body.

The 8 principles of Pilates are alignment, breathing, relaxation, centring, concentration, co-ordination, stamina and flowing movement.

Matwork and Studio

Pilates is taught in two forms – matwork and studio. Most people’s introduction to Pilates is through matwork, either in a group class or 1:1s. There are different levels of difficulty and modifications can be made to accommodate past injuries, level of flexibility and strength.

Small pieces of equipment such as bands, toning circles, overballs and weights are often used in matwork exercises. They enhance the work by providing either extra resistance or assisting with release.

Studio work is practised on machines. Joe Pilates designed several pieces of equipment such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair and the Ladder Barrel. To this day these machines are used in studios worldwide. Other pieces of equipment you may find in a studio are the Spine Corrector, Stability Balls and Foam Rollers.

Pilates and weight-loss

One of the most common questions asked is “Will I lose weight doing Pilates?”
The honest answer is no, not directly. You do burn calories in a Pilates class but as Pilates is not aerobic exericse you don’t raise your heart beat to a high enough level to burn significant calories needed for weight loss.

However, the good news is that it will help indirectly. By improving your posture and alignment and strengthening your bones and muscles, you will feel and look taller and sleeker. If you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, doing weekly Pilates and cardio exercise such as running, cycling, aerobics etc… will help and give you many other health benefits too.

Will Pilates help my sporting activities?

Absolutely!

For decades now, elite athletes and sports people of all levels have incorporated Pilates into their training. Being low impact it’s kind on joints and builds strength without bulk and assists with injury prevention. This makes it perfect for cross training or, practicing on non-running days if you’re a runner or triathlete.

Many sports can create specific muscle imbalances and Pilates can help to re-dress this. I have several clients who are runners (from 5k through to marathons) or who play sport and a few who do duathlons. All have said how Pilates has benefited their sport; they’ve experienced shorter recovery times after games or competitions, fewer injuries and improved personal bests.

Joseph himself had a background as a boxer and self-defence instructor, which drew sports people to discover his work and there are several archive photographs and short clips of him wrestling with friends and ski-ing, even in his later years.

Pilates for Men

As Pilates boomed in popularity, particularly in the last 10 years, a misconception grew that it was / is ‘women’s exercise’; perhaps more balletic than athletic.

This happened partly due to its long association with the world of dance and ballet. Many famous dancers, such as Martha Graham, trained at Joseph and Clara’s New York studio and dance companies the world over either have in-house Pilates studios or Pilates teachers on staff. Another reason is that when fitness venues started to provide matwork Pilates classes they marketed it under the “well-being” banner on their class timetable (and many still do), rather than strength and conditioning, without understanding the history of the method or the man.

Many men probably avoided trying Pilates because of this, much to their loss, sadly. However, top flight football teams, international golfers, rugby players, Toby Garbett (former Olympian and 2 time World Champion rower, now a qualified Pilates teacher), and double Wimbledon Champion, Andy Murray, certainly don’t view it as ‘women’s exercise’; rather the excellent body conditioning method that it is.

I have several men in my group classes. Currently, the oldest gentleman who comes to a group matwork class – twice a week at that – is 82. He started Pilates 6 years ago proving you’re never too old to learn! And he often remarks he wishes he’d started it years ago.

Pilates in a nutshell

'Pilates isn't the core,

Pilates isn't abs,

Pilates is WHOLE BODY.'

 

Michele Larsson, 2nd generation Pilates, who was taught by Eve Gentry, who in turn was taught directly by Joe Pilates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By improving your

posture and alignment and strengthening your body, you will feel and look taller and sleeker.

 

 

 

Pilates for cross training

Pilates is ideal for cross training as it teaches you to unload your joints, reducing wear and tear on them. Many athletes, runners and cyclists practice Pilates for injury prevention.

If you'd like to find out the benefits of practicing Pilates for running, why not read my Pilates for Runners article from my blog.

A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy callisthenics or forced contortion.

Joseph Pilates

Photography © Niels Rakhorst & Jacqueline Pye. Photographs cannot be reproduced without the photographers' prior permission.