THE HISTORY
THE LEGACY OF JOSEPH H. PILATES
Pilates method is the living LEGACY of Joseph H. Pilates, born in Germany 1883. He was an incredible innovator, pioneer of exercise which heals, and deeply committed to building a sound physical foundation on which all other activities can be built. Originally called “Contrology”, he developed a system of movement where every muscle in the body is properly and scientifically developed so circulation is improved, endurance is built, muscle power is developed and flexibility is enhanced.
As a young person he was plagued by sicknesses associated with a weak respiratory system. At the turn of the 20th century, focused on improving his own health, he began to find ways to strengthen his own body and mind. In pursuit of the ideals of having an equally well trained body and high intellect, he participated in boxing, fencing, gymnastics and wrestling. He went on to develop his system of Contrology exercise. During the 1918-1919 Flu pandemic, while imprisoned during WW1, the fellow detainees in his war camp in England who followed his exercise regime, did not suffer sickness like most of the rest of the world. Incredible. Joe’s success here brought him to the attention of the war camp overseers and he was put in charge of working with 30 wounded soldiers, and he worked with them – helping them move what every they could to heal and avoid atrophy. Here he continued to innovate, making exercise apparatus from bed springs and handles! So Pilates equipment was born!
Today, we benefit from the teachings passed on through the Pilates Elders and Master Teachers who trained with them. As the Pilates Method develops we continue to benefit in all the ways Joe dreamed we would, and more!
5 IMPORTANT FACTS
“I INVENTED ALL THESE MACHINES… IT RESISTS YOUR MOVEMENTS IN JUST THE RIGHT WAY SO THOSE INNER MUSCLES REALLY HAVE TO WORK AGAINST IT. THAT WAY YOU CAN CONCENTRATE ON MOVEMENT. YOU MUST ALWAYS DO IT SLOWLY AND SMOOTHLY. THEN YOUR WHOLE BODY IS IN IT.”
- Joseph H. Pilates
MIND & BODY BENEFITS
PILATES IS FOR EVERYONE
Movement positively changes lives. Pilates practice will lead to a stronger, more active and healthier life, whether you are just beginning and are looking to feel better or you’re an athlete looking to improve in your sport. Pilates really is for everybody. This system of exercise is multifaceted and begins with learning to breathe properly. Focus on correct movement strategy is key; so if someone has been sedentary, pilates foundational movement is the place to begin. Like any other strong structure, the body and mind are strengthened level by level. Pilates is used by specialists and therapists to help people recover from injury or surgery because it is a proven and safe practice. Commitment and consistency will get you there. Joseph Pilates said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.”
A JOURNEY
MY PERSONAL PILATES STORY
It’s been almost 12 years, now, but I remember it like it was yesterday; the car crash. I was hit hard, from behind, by someone driving too fast while texting. My car was struck, sent air borne…spinning and landed in a deep ditch. Medics had to pull me from the vehicle via the rear blown out windshield. You see, I was wedged in the wrecked car and time was of the essence. I was injured & in shock but once that began to wear off a little, I realized how much pain I was in. Post hospital I saw an Orthopedic doctor; sports medicine. Two disks in my lower back were “blown”, ligaments torn and nerves damaged and I would endure 8 months of physical therapy trying to recover. Additionally, many more months were also spent getting injections in my spine to deal with the pain, which was excruciating most of the time. I was desperate. I reached out to a friend, Pilates Teacher and said I needed to get back to Pilates, specifically to help with recovery. This was the game changer. The Mat. The Reformer. The Tower. My recovery was more than 2 years in total but I credit coming back to Pilates, under the guidance of a professional as the key to my progress. Not long after, I began my personal journey into the fitness industry. Even though, as a dancer, I had taken and taught many Mat Pilates classes, I had discovered that intentional quest for good health for myself and for others is what really made me happy. Overcoming these difficulties led me to an exceptional journey. I eventually earned multiple fitness certifications including becoming a Pilates Instructor.
I’ve enjoyed the journey and helping people in theirs, too. It’s what get’s me up in the morning!
A TESTIMONIAL
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
“Pilates has changed my life. That statement seems dramatic, but it’s my reality. I’ve had lower back issues for decades and was never athletic. I was advised by my doctor to start Pilates. When I retired to Fort Myers three years ago, I decided to take her advice and I chose a studio near my house. When I went to sign up for a beginners class, the policy of the studio was to take a private lesson before starting. I read the reviews of the Instructors, and chose one who seemed to be the most well rounded in experience and, according to the reviews, was the most knowledgeable on how the human body works and should work.
I’ve been taking both private mat classes with Anna, as well as classes in the studio on the reformer, chair, tower and arc. She has taught me not only how to move through Pilates positions, but how to stretch, how to breathe and how to strengthen my body. I know how, because of her, how to stretch and move myself to alleviate those everyday aches and pains. I also know, when I tell her what’s hurting on any particular day, the reason it hurts and what my body is doing. Her knowledge of anatomy is astounding.
Yes, I do take classes with other Instructors, and they get the job done. However, my preference is to learn and feel better by taking a class with Anna. Back to my opening statement – that Pilates had changed my life. Yes it has. However I don’t think the journey would’ve been as successful if I had taken it with anyone other than Anna Valle.”
Mary
Cape Coral, Florida