 | with Krista Ghaffarian |
| | |||
     
|
Pilates is a total body conditioning exercise method combining flexibility and strength from both Eastern and Western cultures. The purpose of Pilates is to develop mind and body uniformity; provide balance, flexibility and strength; to improve posture; and to focus on the powerhouse.
The body/mind connection in Pilates is achieved by following basic principles. There are six main principles and numerous additional ones that are the key to performing the exercises successfully. BREATHING: Good breathing technique is essential for good health and posture. Only by understanding the anatomy of breathing can we gain true physical awareness. CONCENTRATION: Pilates recognized the value of clearing the mind prior to physical activity. He believed that emotional and psychological states could not be isolates from the physical. CENTER: All Pilates’ exercises start from a stable physical center which must be located and maintained throughout. PRECISION: The goal of each Pilates exercise is very specific, and as a result the details of each exercise must be executed in a precise fashion. FLOW: It is important to keep movement and breath flowing. This avoids tension, tightness, and discomfort. CONTROL: The aim of Pilates is to achieve control of mind, body, and movement. Control, however, should not be limiting of obsessive. Taken directly for Beginner’s Guide to Pilates by Sian Williams & Dominique Jansen  Joseph H. Pilates is the founder of Pilates. He was born 1880 near Dusseldorf, Germany and died in 1967. In his childhood he suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. These illnesses led him to dedicate his entire life to becoming physically stronger. In 1912, Pilates moved from Germany to England where he was a boxer, a circus performer, and a self defense trainer of English detectives. During World War I, he interned with other Germans at a camp in Lancaster and later on in Isle of Man. During this internship he was an orderly. He worked with non ambulatory patients by attaching springs to the bed. This method quickened the recovery for these patients. He created fitness exercises or a method he called "Contrology" (muscle control) which highlighted his unique approach of using the mind to master the muscles. He began to train other German internees in his physical fitness exercises. In 1918, the influenza epidemic hit England and Pilates was credited when no internees became ill. In 1926, he immigrated to the United States, meeting his future wife Clara on the way. He established the first official Pilates Studio in New York City where he taught Contrology to many. The Contrology method established a following in the dance community including Martha Graham and George Balanchine. In 1934 he wrote "Your Health" an essay on Pilates' beliefs and philosophy on "good" health. And in 1945 he wrote "Return to Life Through Contrology". In this book he set out to help the reader achieve strength, flexibility, and balance as well as demonstrate the power of the mind as a way to fine tune the training. This book introduced the original 34 low impact mat exercises. In all his works and teaching he shared his belief that physical perfection was a man's inherited birthright. Pilates died at the age of 87 and designated Romana Kryzanowska to be his successor. His exercise method continued to be taught to dancers, actors, and professionals in Manhattan. By 1990 a worldwide movement had begun of the Pilates exercise method allowing his goal of reaching the "masses" to come to fruition. |
