THE PILATES STORY
The form of exercise called “Pilates” was developed by the German-born Joseph Hubertus Pilates in the early 1920’s as a holistic approach to physical health by integrating the connection of mind with body. Mr Pilates developed many of his techniques using the springs and trapeze attachments of a hospital bed while working at  a British health camp following WWI. Six years later, he opened a studio in New York City working with dancers and athletes as well as those suffering from Polio and other debilitating ailments. Mr.Pilates’ unique approach was to stretch and lengthen the muscles of the body, while maintaining a stable center. This resulted in training the muscles from the inside-out, utilizing the deep muscles in the abdominals, back and buttocks – what Joseph called “the powerhouse”, widely referred to as “the core”. It relies heavily on controlled breathing and precise form and posture in order to correct muscle imbalances. This provides for improved posture, strength, flexibility, mental clarity and aids in injury prevention.

When Joe designed his exercise program in the early 1920s, he foresaw the need for personal exercise and training to address the ill effects of our industrialized society and the ever increasing sedentary lifestyle it fostered. Pilates works to reverse those effects by strengthening the musculature surrounding the spine to rebalance years of sedentary living. The beauty of Pilates is that it is appropriate, accessible and beneficial for all ages and abilities. It is even rumored, that in time, it can render its practitioners to 1 inch taller!