The story of Joseph Pilates

Born near Dusseldorf, Germany in 1883, Joseph Pilates was a frail child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His aspiration and determination to overcome these diseases make him become a competent gymnast, diver and skier.

During World War I, Pilates served as a male nurse in a hospital, where he worked with patients who could not walk. He attached bed springs to hospital beds to help maintain patients’ limbs, leading to the development of his famous equipment, known as the Cadillac. Much of this device, although slightly adapted, is still used today in many Pilates studios.

Pilates principles

Joseph Pilates work is based on several basic principles:

  • Breath: “This is the first act of life and the last, our lives depend on it. “Pilates practitioners should use full, deep breaths.
  • Concentration: Concentrate on the right movements every time you exercise so that you don’t do them wrong and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value.Properly performed and assimilated to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect on the grace and balance in your routine activities … 
  • Centering: Emphasizes the strength of the body, which is the area between the lower ribs and thighs and includes the muscles of the lower and upper back. Centering the mind by focusing on the core is very important. The method works on building a healthy and conscious core.
  • Control: Control of all movements directed by the mind. Pilates says, “Good posture can only be achieved successfully when the whole mechanism of the body is under perfect control.”
  • Accuracy: Important attention is paid to the correct execution and alignment, the movements must be accurate and understandable.
  • Flow: The elegance of the movement is defined as a flow, which is done with grace and smoothness.

Evolution of Pilates

Over the years, the Pilates method has gradually evolved and integrated into the use of modern equipment. However, the roots of the technique is in the philosophy and patterns of movement designed by Joseph Pilates more than 90 years ago.

The popularity of the Pilates method is spreading rapidly, Pilates is now a global phenomenon with over 12 million people practicing and the number continues to grow due to its effectiveness and adaptability.