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The concept of the Pilates exercise systems
has really taken off in the last few years. Is pilates an
extension of yoga or does it stand alone and what about
the machines that we hear about?
This section is a brief on Pilates and it's origins.
What is Pilates?
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Pilates was invented and developed in the 20th century
by a man named Joseph
Pilates. This system of exercise is targeted
towards improving the body by toning and conditioning
all muscle groups while developing better breathing
habits, improving posture and learning to use the
mental concentration and focus.
It helps to improve overall balance and dexterity
(co-ordination) as well as streamlining the body and
helping to improve flexibility. It is extremely good
for rehabilitation from injury and degenerative conditions.
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The great thing about pilates is that the
exercises are gentle yet challenging and are designed to
place as little strain on the body as possible. Therefore
Pilates can be practiced by anyone regardless of age and
exercise experience. Although a lot of pilates exercises
are designed with machines in mind there are a lot of exercises
that require only the participation of the individual. You
can do Pilates at home if you want.
Who is Joseph Pilates?
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Joseph H Pilates was born and raised in Germany.
As a young child growing up he suffered from rickets
and other illnesses. As he became older he became
determined to strengthen his weak and frail body and
developed a real interest in health and fitness.
He began to study and experiment with different
methods of exercise including yoga and boxing to help
strengthen his body. He called his method the Art
of Contrology because of the focus required in complete
control of the muscles with the mind.
During the First World War he served as an orderly
and became involved with the treatment of patients
who were disabled and immobile. This was where the
exercise/equipment system of pilates was born.
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| Various pieces of apparatus
including springs that were attached to beds were developed
to help in exercise and rehabilitation. It was here
that Joseph quickly became aware that patients recovered
a lot faster when springs and resistance were used.
These techniques led to the development of the machine
which is now known as the "Reformer". |
After the War he moved to New York to open
a fitness studio where his techniques soon came to the attention
of the rich and famous of that day. He continued to develop
his techniques and perfect his methods and wrote several
books on fitness but never set up an official training program.
Now in the 21st century the disciples originated by Joseph
Pilates have many versions and interpretations of his methods,
however they all retain the principles of their origins.
Benefits
of Pilates
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