About Pilates
The Pilates (Puh-LAH-Teez) Method of Body Conditioning was developed by German born Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). Joseph was a sickly child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever, who sought to regain his health through exercise and nutrition. Developing what he termed "The Art of Contrology", Joseph devised a system of movement geared towards improving strength, flexibility and muscular control. He brought this unique method to New York and opened his first studio in 1926. There he worked with dancers, gymnasts and yes...the average person interested in improving their posture, balance and coordination while improving their overall health.
There are countless benefits to using the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. Increasing strength in all muscle groups, improving flexibility and posture, rehabilitation for lower back and neck problems, improving stability and balance, reducing stress and the overall reshaping of your body are just a few. Used as a form of cross training, athletes such as runners, triathletes, golfers and even professional football players have noticed drastic changes in their performances.
Up until the year 2000, the term Pilates was a trademarked entity allowing only those instructors certified through the original Pilates Studio of New York to teach the principles designed by Joseph himself.