Pilates: More than a Fad!

Introduction

If you think Pilates is the latest fitness craze, think again! Joseph Pilates was born in 1883 in Germany. He was frail and sickly as a child, suffering from asthma and rheumatic fever. He was determined to overcome his ailments and went on to become a competent athlete who was a gymnast, boxer, diver and skier.

The Invention of Pilates

In 1912 Pilates was living in England, where he taught self-defense classes and worked in a circus. It was there that he was interned with other German nationals during World War I. During this time he began to refine his fitness techniques, teaching his fellow internees what would become the Pilates matwork.

He eventually was assigned to serve as an orderly in a hospital ward with patients who were bedridden. He was unwavering in his belief in the power of exercise, and it was this drive that led him to modifying his exercises using springs, cables and pulleys available in the hospital. This inspired the development of two popular pieces of Pilates equipment, the Cadillac and the Reformer.

Bringing Pilates to the Public

In the early 1920’s Joseph Pilates emigrated to the US with his wife Clara. They settled in New York, where they opened a “body conditioning gym” and taught his exercise system. His exercises became recognized for their rehabilitative value,

particularly within the dance community. They found his exercises aided in their recovery from injuries, as well as improving their techniques. Pilates continued to create new pieces of equipment and props to further enhance his exercises.

The Pilates Method finally began to gain more mainstream interest in the mid 1990’s. Health clubs added it to their programming and studios opened worldwide, making it more accessible to everyone. Through the years the exercises and equipment have evolved, integrating current knowledge of biomechanics—the science of movement and how muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together to move. However, the root of the techniques are based on the principles and movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates 100 years ago. The popularity of his exercises has continued to grow since he opened that first studio. It has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 12 million people regularly practicing, and the numbers continue to rise due to its effectiveness and adaptability.

Linda Wirtz

Balanced Body Pilates Instructor