subject: New York Pilates Studios Tell The History Of Pilates [print this page] Are you wondering what you can get from a Long Island Pilates class? Pilates is an exercise system that is famous for its ability to work every muscle in the body in equal measure. Just a few of the benefits include a better toned body, greatly improved balance, and much more graceful movement. Acrobats, gymnasts, and dancers alike have sworn to this method.
Most would think Pilates is some ancient exercise system, but it's not even a hundred years old! Read on to learn the history of this amazing technique.
The Pilates fitness method, developed first in 1925 by Joseph Pilates, is defined as "the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure". Joseph Pilates was regarded in Europe and the United States as a fitness expert well before he was 20 years old. He studied both Eastern and Western forms of exercise including yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman regimens. By the time he was 14 he had worked so hard he had developed his body to the point that he was modeling for anatomy charts.
Joseph Pilates believed that natural movements were the key to good exercise. This is what classical Pilates is based on. The exercises are performed lying, sitting and kneeling to avoid excess strain on the heart and lungs. The Pilates training method is based entirely on moving naturally. This has been referred to as "contrology", which stands for the optimal method of movement and posture.
In the 40s and 50s Pilates was so popular in New York City that it was considered a requirement for dancers wishing to appear on Broadway. Joseph Pilates also successfully used his method for physical rehabilitation of injured individuals. Dancers, circus performers, and acrobats from all over came to his studio to be conditioned through Pilates. These trainees learned that Pilates would not only help them in their careers, but it would help them in everyday life as well.
Get to your local Pilate classes today and see what Pilates will do for you!
