Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). He was born in Germany and grew up a sickly child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. At a young age he began to study anatomy and various forms of exercise to improve his health and physique. At 14 he had been so successful in his endeavors, that he was asked to model for anatomy charts. An accomplished boxer, gymnast, skier and diver, he traveled to the UK and during WW1 was interned in a camp for enemy aliens. During this time he used his knowledge to help rehabilitate bedridden patients, using bedsprings as equipment. Rumor has it that his efforts were so successful that when the 1918 flu epidemic swept the world, not one of his followers died, even though thousands of others succumbed. He returned to Germany after the War, but in 1925 he decided to try his luck in the USA. It was on this journey that he met his future wife, Clara. Upon their arrival in NYC they opened a gym close to a number of ballet and dance schools, and in doing so found a willing audience. His exercise regime, while always popular with dancers and women, is just starting to be recognized by the general public.
What can Pilates do for you?
The Pilates Method strives to develop an efficient and balanced body, which is able to respond to the demands that are placed on it.It can strengthen and stretch you out at the same time, as well as align you, so your body is in balance. It focuses on strengthening your deep core muscles, and in doing so has been shown to relieve back pain. The core muscles are where all your movement originates from, so strengthening these muscles will also help you as an athlete in any sport.
Tennis and Golf Players
Pilates, by strengthening your core muscles, will give you a more powerful swing and stroke, since all your power is coming from your core twisting motion.
Surfers, Skiers and Snowboarders will also benefit from from this torso strengthening, because all of your turns are generated from the power of your torso twist. Pilates is the only regimen where you can fine tune your balance, because the reformer is a moving platform; exercises like the splits are fantastic for these movement oriented sports. For Surfers, Union Square Pilates is the only facility in NY that has the Vasa Ergometer swim trainer. Using the swim trainer in conjunction with Pilates will get you into the best surfing shape ever.
Cancer patients and their spouses Having lived through the devastating loss of my wife,Sarah, to cancer in Jan. 2006, I know that exercise can be a great stress reliever. Cancer patients and their spouses will always receive 25% off with a note from their Dr. stating it is ok for them to exercise.
However everyone will benefit from Pilates.
Pilates is especially effective because you will be using both your mind and body following the 6 principles of the Pilates Method:
Centering
Concentration
Control
Precision
Breath
Flow
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