It is actually the name
of the man who invented the exercise. His name was
Joseph H. Pilates and he came to America from Germany.
He had started the exercises in Germany in the 1920's
while working as a nurse in a prison camp. Soon after
he began training a boxer who decided to move to
America and wanted Joseph to join him as his trainer.
Joseph agreed only if they
would open a studio in New York for him. Thus, the
New York Pilates studio was born. While in New York
Joseph invented several different machines that would
then assist the exerciser with the movements that
he had developed. He designed eight different machines;
the two main machines became known as the Reformer
and The Cadillac. Through these machines he developed
hundreds of exercises.
The exercises soon caught
the attention of ballet dancers, and that is where
they have been taught for the past 80 years. Famous
dancers, such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham
have used the exercises as therapy for their injuries,
and adapted the exercises to fit their needs.
In the past 5-10 years
many celebrities have begun using the exercises to
change and shape their bodies. Most recently it has
begun to filter into the health club industry, thus
creating a much larger demand for exercises that
are therapeutic and relaxing.
What are the types
of Pilates classes?
There are the mat classes, which are similar
to Yoga. However, instead of holding a static pose like in a Yoga class the
participants experience a continuous flow of movement working both the front
and back of the body. There are also the Allegro Reformer classes, which involve
a smaller group who work on the Allegro Pilates machines called the Reformer
in a group personal training setting.
The benefits of any type
of Pilates class are to increase strength through
the "core" or upper torso. Most participants report
that since doing Pilates exercises that they have
improved posture, flatter abdominals and increased
flexibility. Joseph Pilates stated that these exercises
could change a person's body in 30 days if done only
10 minutes per day. Many people come to Pilates to
help heal an injury, and they end up transforming
their overall appearance.
Where can I try these
classes?
Performance Enhancement International, LLC; offers mat and reformer
classes The Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center
in Washington. We also have a complete studio at
440 West Main St. in Monongahela where we offer
mat classes, as well as do private personal sessions
on the Reformer, Cadillac or Wunda chair.
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CURRICULUM