ABOUT PILATES.....HISTORY OF PILATES

HISTORY OF PILATES

Although it may seem that Pilates is an exercise modality that burst on the fitness scene only in the last 10 years, the method created by Joseph H. Pilates has been around for almost 100 years and has a fascinating history.

Joe Pilates' love for exercise and physical culture stemmed from his exposure to many of the physical regimes available in Germany. There are indications that one of his siblings was a boxer while his father was the coach. His philosophy and belief that mental and physical health are interrelated have a connection with the physical culture of the late nineteenth century and to the tradition of “corrective exercise” as typified by Pehr Henrik Ling.

During the outbreak of the World War I, Joe was interned in England as an “enemy alien” and during this time he refined his ideas and trained other internees in his system of exercise. Rigging springs to hospital beds he enabled wounded internees to exercise against resistance.

After the war, Joe retuned to Germany and in 1926 he emigrated to the U.S. with his wife Clara and opened a fitness studio in New York City. His method became popular amongst dancers as many injured dancers were referred to him for rehabilitation.

Many of his students went on to open their own studios and have become known as the Elders or First generation teachers who learned from Joe himself.  They have in turn, taught a new generation of teachers.  Each elder or first generation teacher has added their own interpretation of the work and approach to Joe's original body of work.

Pilates became mainstream form of exercise in the U.S during the early 80's and while originally it was confined to a few a specialised studios, it can now be found in community centres, gyms, and physiotherapy rooms.  Many Pilates-inspired businesses also operate and have mixed their own understanding of Pilates with other disciplines to create slightly different forms of movement stemming from the work of Joseph Pilates.

Despite the fact that the Pilates method is still not widely known in Australia, it is not unusual for it to be confused for a mix of Yoga and Ballet.

Click below to find out more about Pilates

• Types of Pilates
• Benefits of Pilates

If you want to start Pilates, then click here to find a Pilates Instructor near you