What is Pilates?
Named after it’s creator, Pilates is the brainchild of the innovative and somewhat eccentric Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), whose methodology is a mind-body exercise regime that is now a well-known product despite its grassroots background. When Joseph developed his exercise system of strengthening and stretching the body known as ‘Contrology’, he did not have the benefit of current technologies such as real time ultrasound to know from a scientific perspective that the was activating the deep stabilizing muscles he was intending to. He only knew that by doing exercises that use the mind to master the movements in the body, greater control, strength, flexibility and balance were achieved. Furthermore, activities in everyday life became easier, and he felt healthier and more invigorated.
Joseph’s fundamental belief was that modern life causes us to get out of sync with the ‘natural rhythm and co-ordination’ experienced by animals. This could not be more true now in the 21st century as it was in his time, the peak of the second industrial revolution. In order to return to our natural physical flow of movement his ideology included:
- Co-ordinate your body and mind to acquire control over your body
- Repeat exercises that enforce correct recruitment of muscles until movement becomes subconscious