Pilates is the name of a set of exercise methods named after its originator Joseph Pilates. Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1880, Joseph remained a sickly child with multiple health problems of rickets, rheumatic fever, and asthma. Instead of yielding to his untoward physical frailty, Joseph became determined to master health and develop a strong and healthy physique. He studied different health techniques like skiing, bodybuilding, gymnastics, and diving.

As he attempted repeatedly to devise his own exercise techniques that would be a perfect health program, Joseph failed several times. But he kept his spirits high and eventually arrived at his aspired exercise program. The movements, which Joseph perfected as part of the program, constitute what we now call Pilates. In 1912, Joseph started training detectives at the Scotland Yard. During the First World War, he developed his techniques further and devised makeshift exercise aids. This helped patients recovering from injuries to exercise with ease. Present-day reformers are the modern version of these aids.

Joseph Pilates came to the United States in the late 1920s and his studio offering fitness techniques soon became popular among actors, athletes, gymnasts, and dancers. Owing to his mastery of fitness exercises, Joseph lived to 87 years and wrote several books on fitness. After him, his disciples kept his teachings alive and today his program has been molded to fit in with scientific principles of the age.

The Nature of Pilates

Pilates is the collective name for a set of exercises or techniques that condition the body to acquire greater flexibility, strength, greater endurance, and improved coordination without addition of bulk of muscle to the body. Also, Pilates increases circulation and shapes the body in a more balanced form. Essentially, these exercises are mat exercises that focus on the body’s torso.

The body’s own weight is used as resistance against which the exercises are designed. These are very easy to begin with since these do not require any specialized equipment but only a floor mat. However, several machines are currently used to tone the body and increase its strength and endurance. The principle of resistance applies here as well.

Effects of Pilates

Exercises of Pilates are focused on strengthening the body’s core (or what is called powerhouse) by which is generally meant the torso. These also align the bones along regular lines. Regular exercises of the program result in feeling a more balanced posture, enjoying a better health, and greater resistance to injuries.