What is Pilates?

Pilates, (pronounced Puh-LAH-teez) was developed by Joseph H. Pilates and was originally called “contrology”. Joseph H. Pilates was an ill child but became an avid exercise enthusiast studying different methods of exercise. Joseph became a boxer and performer and during WWI, he became an intern in England. It was there where he taught his fellow internees exercises to increase/ maintain their health. These exercises are more traditionally known as his original “matwork”. A few years later, he was transferred to another camp where he worked as a nurse/caretaker and he began to rehabilitate injured internees by using the bedsprings from the bottom of their beds as a tool to increase their strength and flexibility and decrease their debility.

In the early 1900’s Joseph and his wife Clara, moved to the United States and opened their first studio in NYC. Joseph trained numerous ballerinas and using his method of exercise, the ballerinas were able to maintain their strength, flexibility and physique despite injuries sustained while dancing. In addition, Joseph worked with boxers and other athletes teaching them his unique method. Today, the Pilates method of exercise is practiced by Hollywood stars, athletes, and individuals of all ages and abilities. The Pilates method focuses on posture, breathing, flexibility, strength, and the mind-body connection. The Pilates principles consist of control, concentration, centering, precision, flow, and breath. Pilates focuses on working the innermost deepest layer of the abdominals, starting with the transversus abdominis and continuing with the rectus abdominis, and the internal and external obliques. The spine is better supported by properly engaging these muscles. In addition, the muscles of the spine, and the muscles surrounding the hips and buttock provide a strong foundation in developing the “core.” The Pilates method attempts to put the body in the best possible alignment and therefore greater mobility and functionality are achieved. The Pilates method of exercise is performed in two main types of settings.

Many are familiar with Pilates mat classes. Mat classes are generally performed in a group setting and may or may not involve the use of small apparatuses such as balls, bands, and circles. Mat classes are performed on the floor with an instructor present to teach the proper movements. Mat classes vary in difficulty and are dependent upon the individual’s ability, flexibility, and strength. On the other hand, some of the Pilates equipment is designed with springs that are used for resistance, and is some cases, assistance, while there are a couple of apparatus’s that are spring-free. Training on the equipment allows individuals to focus on their strengths and properly learn difficult aspects of movement that are sometimes close to impossible on the floor. Therefore, even individuals with disabilities are able to participate in the Pilates method. When training on the equipment, one student trains with one instructor, or two students train with one instructor; this situation provides the student(s) the greatest learning advantage as well as having a unique program developed for them. More recently, some studios and gyms offer group classes on different types of equipment known as reformer/allegro classes, tower classes, and circuit classes. There are numerous benefits achieved by performing the Pilates method of exercise correctly such as improved posture, increased flexibility, increased strength, enhanced sport performance, increased lung capacity, decreased low back pain, decreased or diminished general aches and pains, increased bone density and much more. Peak Fitness & Rehab is the only one on one training studio in Flagler County that offers equipment-based Pilates, functional-based Personal Training and Physical Therapy.

Article written by: Desiree Challice, PT, DPT, CSCS, Certified Pilates Instructor