Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates to help World War I veterans recover and build strength. It focuses on postural alignment, deep breathing, core muscles, concentration, control, and precision, and has gained wide popularity as a lifestyle and exercise regimen.
Developed in the early 20th century by German/Greek innovator Joseph Pilates, Pilates focuses on the mind-body link, emphasizing proper breathing and strengthening the deep core muscles of the hips and torso. The Pilates system originated to help returning World War I veterans recover and build strength. In later years, it was adopted by dancers and other fitness enthusiasts, and gained wide popularity from the 1980s onward.
Pilates Method focuses on postural alignment, deep breathing, core muscles, concentration, control, and precision. As a philosophy, he strives for a balanced body that has strength and flexibility without bulk. The breathing aspect of the method involves deep, controlled breaths with forced exhalations that use a specific rhythm and accompany each part of the exercise routine.
According to the Pilates philosophy, the core muscles are the body’s source of energy, with power emanating from the midsection to the extremities. By toning, strengthening and stretching the deep abdominal and back muscles, Pilates seeks to build a balanced body by working together with the shoulders and pelvic girdle. The concentration, control and precision aspects of the Pilates approach propose that each movement of the exercises has a purpose. Every movement, no matter how small, should be an integral part of the entire workout. The goal is for the economy of movement to become second nature, so much so that it carries over into everyday life.
Early Pilates experiments involved the use of beds for progressive resistance, meaning that the more the spring was stretched, the more effort was required. Most Pilates exercise methods still involve progressive resistance rather than weights, with devices with fantastic names like the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Guillotine Tower, and the Spine Corrector. Using certain items, such as balance balls, weighted medicine balls, and resistance bands, Pilates exercises seek to build strength and flexibility at the same time. Even upper body exercises using the Pilates ring or other devices are designed to connect to your core muscles and strengthen them as well. The classic Pilates method requires that the exercises be performed in a certain sequence, thus working the muscle groups station by station.
In general, Pilates has proven to be useful for all ages and physical conditions. It has also found uses in rehabilitation, where instructors make routine adjustments to compensate for physical limitations. The concentration aspect of Pilates has even been shown to be helpful for Parkinson’s sufferers. Regardless, Pilates has caught on as a popular and effective lifestyle and exercise regimen.
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