A BRIEF HISTORY OF PILATES
Pilates is the art of body control; by learning to stretch and strengthen simultaneously, moving slowly and methodically with focus and flow, each exercise challenges the entire body to balance and coordinate. The effort results in not only a well toned, uniformly developed physique, but also better mental focus and mind-body connection. Every session leaves you feeling taller and more open, while the increase in blood flow and oxygenation makes you not only healthier but happier.
Originally called “Contrology” by it's creator, JOSEPH H. PILATES, the Pilates method is thought to have been first, formally developed in England during World War I where Pilates was interned with other German nationals through the war.
A German of Greek descent, Pilates devoted his formative years to overcoming health issues (including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever), studying anatomy, bodybuilding, boxing, wrestling, yoga, gymnastics, engineering, and martial arts. He became a professional acrobat and boxer, an accomplished diver and skier, posed for anatomical illustrations, and taught self-defence at police academies and Scotland Yard.
While in the internment camp, Pilates started to create a complex exercise system and methodology based in his physical training background and also from studying the movements of animals. He first developed what we now know as the mat work, and then began applying his knowledge of engineering to craft spring-based apparatuses that worked with hospital beds to help injured and infirm prisoners recuperate.
After the war, Pilates moved back to Germany where he collaborated with renowned dancers and fitness experts, including Rudolph Laban. Around 1925, Joe immigrated to New York City, meeting his future wife Clara on the journey. Together, Joe and Clara opened a gym on 8th Avenue where Joe expanded his method into a complex repertoire of over 500 exercises, incorporating many spring-based apparatuses designed and patented by Pilates, including the enduring universal reformer, cadillac and wunda chair.
Joe and Clara were soon discovered by the New York dance world, with George Balanchine and Martha Graham routinely visiting and sending students. From this notoriety, others soon cottoned on and the Pilates method became revered for its ability to build strength, flexibility and stamina.
Joe died in 1967, at 83 years old, leaving behind a legacy that would be carried forward and expanded on by his students, most notably those who became known as the first generation teachers or "elders," including Kathy Grant and Romana Kryzanowska (who were officially certified by Joe to teach his method), his wife Clara, Carola Trier, Irene Dowd, Jay Grimes, Ron Fletcher, and Eve Gentry. Joe is known to have said he was eighty years ahead of his time; judging by the current popularity of Pilates and the resounding recognition from experts in the fields of health, fitness, and medicine, he was right.
CLASSICAL (East Coast) v. CONTEMPORARY (West Coast) PILATES
As you become more familiar with Pilates you will hear these terms used to qualify a teacher or studio. There is contention within the Pilates community and even within these two sub groups, but it is good to know generally how they are applied and what this means for your Pilates education.
"Classical" Pilates attempts to follow and preserve the original teachings of Joe Pilates. Classical teachers stick closely to the exercises and the order in which they are performed as Joe developed and taught them. The breathing is generally an inhale as you extend the body and an exhale as you return. Well known classical Pilates studios, teachers, and systems include but are not limited to New York Pilates, The Pilates Center, Power Pilates, and Romana’s Pilates.
"Contemporary" Pilates is exercise inspired by Joe's system but since modified, broken down, and/or invented by subsequent teachers. In general the breathing is more akin to gym breathing and opposite to the classical breathing, with an exhale during the most exertive part of the movement. It is also known to prefer a neutral pelvis throughout the work. Well known contemporary Pilates schools include Basi, Polestar, and Body Control Pilates.
Lightwell is a classical studio with modern influences from classically trained first generation and master teachers, and teaching studios, such as Kathy Grant, Romana, and The Pilates Center. I use both neutral pelvis and an impressed spine in the work with the aim of creating the strongest natural posture possible. The exercises, their order and spirit are in the classical tradition.
SIX GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Centering— focus on the “powerhouse” (the centre of your body); creating optimal stability throughout not only brings strength to the body but calms the mind and spirit
Concentration— bring your full attention to each movement to receive the optimum benefits
Control— be mindful; each movement has specific instructions and requires the full body to execute correctly and safely
Precision— executing one exercise deliberately and correctly is more valuable than executing many repetitions sloppily; in order to control the movement you must learn to move correctly with support and alignment. When done well you only need 3-5 reps of each exercise to get the full benefit.
Breath— each exercise has a specific breathing pattern with the aim of supporting the movement and oxygenating every cell in the body.
Flow— the method encourages gentle, continuous movement, promoting grace, fluidity, and ease.
ARCHIVAL PHOTOS
