What is Pilates
Last published DD MMM YYYY This is for page description or overview where applicable.Pilates is a system of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates, and further developed since his death in 1967 by his students and the medical and fitness community. It focuses on movement from the core muscles surrounding the spine (like a corset) outwards toward the external muscles in the torso and limbs.
Pilates exercises focus on keeping good alignment, posture and control through a series of movements, and creates muscular strength and tone.
Pilates exercises focus on keeping good alignment, posture and control through a series of movements, and creates muscular strength and tone, without increasing the size of the muscle. Exercises range from gentle to very demanding.
Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever as a child. To overcome these ailments, he studied gymnastics, strength training and yoga to strengthen his body. Active in various sports and working as a nurse during WW1, he keenly developed an understanding of how to help train the body for inner and outer strength and vitality.
He moved to USA in the mid-1920’s and started his first studio in New York, where he trained actors, dancers and gymnasts among others. Over the next 40 years he trained and developed the system that has become Pilates (which he called Contrology), although much of the structure to the method, in terms of qualifications, curriculum and modern development came only years after his death.
Benefits of Pilates
One of the greatest benefits of Pilates is that it can be done by almost anyone. Classes can vary to suit a wide range of needs and interests, from the geriatric and post-surgery, to the elite athlete looking to refine performance.
Due to its focus on core control, Pilates tends to create tone in the mid-section quite quickly. However, it systematically works through all the muscles in the body and within 5-10 sessions you really feel a difference. Improved posture, decreased aches and pains, especially in the back and neck, shoulder and hips, are trademark remarks of Pilates practitioners.
Daniel Dittmar B.App.Sci.(HMS), Polestar Pilates Mentor & owner of Focus Pilates described his dedication & interest in Pilates training
“After studying Human Movement Studies (sports science) for 4 years and spending the next 10 years working in various fitness environments in Australia and Asia i can genuinely say that Pilates continually surprises me as to the results that clients can achieve. The depth and effectiveness of Pilates means that once you learn how you should be exercising and moving it will improve all physical aspects of your lifestyle from posture, to reduced back pain to achieving peak sporting performance.”