Joseph Pilates created Pilates in the first half of the twentieth century. His father was a gymnast, his mother a naturopath, and he studied a variety of Eastern and Western exercise forms, including Yoga, bodybuilding, and various martial arts, including jiu jitsu. The Pilates method was created using a variety of equipment to advance the stretching, strengthening, and body alignment that resulted from the non-equipment based mat work.
Two students of the late Romana Kryzanowska published the first modern book on Pilates, The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning. Romana began as a student of Joseph Pilates at their New York studio on 8th Avenue. When Joseph died in 1968, Romana took over as studio director of what was then known as “The Pilates Studio.”
Pilates today includes variations on the ‘Modern’ Pilates method, which stems from some of the first generation students, as well as the ‘Classical’ or ‘Traditional’ method, which aims to preserve Joseph Pilates’ original work.
The previously mentioned book outlined six ‘Principles of Pilates.’ Concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing are the original six principles.
Concentration
This emphasizes the importance of focusing on your entire body during Pilates to ensure smooth movements. This is difficult. In many ways, Pilates exercise technique and how exercises are performed are more important than the exercises themselves.
Control
Every Pilates exercise must be performed with control. It is fundamentally about you having control over your body.
Centering
In order to effectively control your body, you must have a starting point, which is your center. This is often referred to as the ‘powerhouse,’ which refers to your center and includes the abs, upper and lower back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs. All Pilates movement should start in your center, your powerhouse, and work its way out to your limbs.
Flow
Pilates exercises are designed to flow into one another to help build strength and stamina. The use of appropriate transitions and movement economy is highly valued and is one of the key differences between novice and advanced practitioners.
Precision
Pilates is not about performing a large number of repetitions incorrectly or with poor technique. Pilates, on the other hand, strives for precise and perfect movement. With consistent Pilates and expert instruction, this precision will become second nature and will carry over into everyday life. A professional Pilates instructor can learn a lot about a person just by watching them walk.
Breathing
In Pilates, you typically focus on breathing out with effort and on the return. Breathing and movement must be coordinated, and good instructors will constantly remind you when to breathe in and when to breathe out. As with everything in Pilates, you should focus on each breath and feel your powerhouse engage.
Pilates is appropriate for men and women in a wide range of physical conditions, from professional athletes to out-of-shape retirees looking to improve their quality of life.
Pilates has quickly become the foundation of many people’s physical conditioning, including countless celebrities, due to its low impact and effectiveness. Pilates, when done correctly and consistently, with proper instruction that helps you embrace the key principles, will change your life, improve your lifestyle, and keep you looking great.
