Why Pilates?
Hi there! There are two questions I get asked as a Pilates instructor and lover. What is Pilates? And why should I do it? I’m here to answer those questions for you with loads of joy!
Pilates is an exercise system that was created by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the 20th century. Joe was being held in an internment camp during WW1 and the camp leaders realized that his fellow detainees never got sick when the influenza epidemic broke out in 1918 due to his exercise regimen. He was then given a job as a hospital orderly for wounded soldiers. Joe’s exercises helped patients get better faster and fend off infections that had killed so many in the hospital. Joe started creating his own equipment and after he was released from camps, he and his wife, Clara, decided to go to New York. They founded a small studio and started teaching what Joe then called “Contrology”. He taught all sorts of people but became well known amongst the dance community at the New York City Ballet. Joe and Clara’s work was passed down to many primary students, who have passed it down to others. What we now call “Pilates”.
Pilates has become popular in the last 20 years. Over 10 million people are now practicing Pilates and for good reason. Pilates exercises involve the whole person, all the muscles in the body. The movements require people to engage their mind and their body together. The goal of every exercise is ease, efficiency, and economy in all movement, which creates a focus on proper form. Pilates strengthens all the muscles of the body, especially the core. It also improves balance, increases coordination, decreases stress, and improves posture and alignment in the body. The exercises work for ALL ages 10-100 and for all body types. You don’t have to be “in shape” to get started. Pilates is used to increase the health and well-being of those that are injured or in pain, to those who are physically fit. So, it is for every BODY. It teaches practioners to use ALL the muscles in their bodies, not just the large muscle groups. Thanks to that, your body becomes stronger and more toned all over, which is why there are so many benefits to Pilates. As we say in Pilates, “Movement is Life”!
What is my favorite part of Pilates? All the things. If I have to choose one though, it would be posture. It’s aligning your bones to stack one on top of the other like they are built to be. Being at one with gravity.
I know from experience that Pilates helps you move better, stand taller, and sit straighter. You can transform your life on every level - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual with Pilates. It can help you live your life more fully!
“A man is as young as his spinal column.”
How do you get started? Start by going to a studio and getting a few 1-on-1 lessons or “privates” as they are called in the Pilates world, to learn the basic concepts and movements. Then you can either continue with those privates, have a friend or family member join you for a “duet”, or join a class at that studio. If that route isn’t affordable for you, there are YouTube videos, video memberships, classes at community centers, etc. If you need help finding something that works for you, drop me an email and I’ll help you find something. Just START! Don’t have Pilates in your area? Most instructors now teach virtually via Zoom, Facetime, or some other service. Whether you go with the original Pilates mat work, the equipment, in person, or virtual, it is all great exercise and very effective.
What else would you like to know? I’m happy to answer all your questions. Send me an email or drop a comment below. I would love it! Sending you all the joy and wishing you beautiful alignment!!
