Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. As a frail child he was determined to build and strengthen his physique and so began to developed a technique that would achieve body conditioning for anyone. He later went on to become an accomplished diver, gymnast, and boxer.
Over the years as the effectiveness of his exercise method became known, "Pilates" became more and more popular. Currently the "Pilates" method of exercise is used worldwide by people of all ages, sex, and fitness levels for body conditioning and rehabilitation purposes.
The fundamentals of Pilates utilize this phenomenal intuitive sense of the correct physiological use of the body which Joseph Pilates developed over 500 effective and specific exercises to be performed on his uniquely designed variable resistance spring controlled apparatus-the reformer, the trapeze table, the wonder chair and barrels.
This exercise system strengthens the "powerhouse"- abdomen, back and buttocks so stabilizing the body and enabling it to move freely. It dramatically and rapidly improves strength, flexibility, posture and overall alignment of the musculature and skeleton without increasing bulk. It is an indispensable tool for athletes and unconditioned people alike enabling them to develop coordination, aesthetic form, strength and balanced posture. |
