A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

The short story of Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. He appears to have been a frail child, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His drive and determination to overcome these ailments led him to become a competent gymnast, diver and skier.

During the First World War, he was interned with other German nationals. During this time he developed his technique of physical fitness further, by teaching his fellow internees. During the latter part of the War, he served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man where he worked with patients unable to walk.

Pilates emigrated to the USA in the early 1920s with his wife Clara, and together they developed and taught the method in their 'body-conditioning gym' in New York in 1926.

It soon became very popular, as it offered a chance to improve technique or recover from injury.

Originally 60% of the clientele were men.

During his lifetime this method of exercise was called Contrology. It was only after his death that it became known as the Pilates Method.

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Mat Pilates

M​at Pilates is a series of exercises from within the Pilates Method designed specifically to be performed on a mat.

Pilates offers a perfect balanced blend of strength and flexibility training, and is suitable for all ages and abilities. It improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. By concentrating on core stability you will achieve a balanced body workout, from the inside out using a variety of small equipment.

Benefits All! Increase your downswing speed, fix your poster off the saddle, better core for uphill run, reduce your anxiety, stress through Pilates breathing..

 

Pilates with props (small equipment)

Most Pilates’ instructors will say props are used to make a movement more challenging/complex or to add variety, but I think it would be good to consider the “why” on a deeper level. Why did Joseph Pilates invent the Pilates apparatus? Why did he add small props to the program? Pilates was a genius—he observed and studied the body and developed an understanding of the body’s need. He used this knowledge to evaluate specific needs in his clients and developed a tool (prop/apparatus, etc.) to address this need in order that maximum benefits are achieved when performing the Pilates Method.

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SMR - aka Foam Rolling

Why? Massage Your Muscles (AKA Self-Myofascial Release) Using a foam roller is essentially a more affordable way to give yourself a deep tissue massage. By slowing rolling over various areas of your body, you'll help break up adhesion and scar tissue and speed up the healing and recovery process after your workout.

For who? Anyone, save money and time by using this simple technique to restore your flexibility and recover faster.