The History of Pilates
The history of Pilates dates back to the early 20th century when Joseph Pilates, a German living in England, created this revolutionary method. Driven by a passion for health and well-being, he combined his knowledge of gymnastics, dance, and yoga to develop a series of exercises focused on muscular strength, flexibility, and breathing. During World War I, Joseph Pilates taught his method to soldiers, using hospital beds as the first 'Reformers.' In the 1920s, he emigrated to the United States, where he opened his first Pilates studio in New York, attracting dancers, athletes, and celebrities. Today, Pilates has become a popular method worldwide, appreciated for its benefits on both the body and mind.
Mat or Reformer?
It depends on the need; in both cases, muscles are worked deeply, and a noticeable improvement in posture is visible after several sessions.
The Mat provides an accessible experience for everyone, portable and promotes a more holistic approach. It allows a focus on strengthening the body, flexibility, and balance, all while working with one's own body weight to build a solid foundation in Pilates. This uniqueness can intensify exercises, further strengthening muscles in-depth.
On the other hand, practicing on the Reformer adds an additional dimension with the resistance of springs, providing a more targeted challenge to tone and sculpt the body.
Pilates now offers a variety of styles to suit all tastes! From classical to contemporary, including aerial Pilates, there's something for everyone. Each style has its benefits, ranging from muscular strengthening to relaxation.
Respiration
"Breathe deeply and let your body and mind work together. Your success in Pilates depends on proper breathing."
Center
"Find the center of your being. Know yourself better than anyone else, and use that knowledge to gain mastery over your body."
Concentration
"Concentration is the key. If you focus well, you will progress better."
Control
"Physical control is the first step toward mental control. Once you have control of your body, you can master your destiny."
Precision
"Precision is essential. Take the time to execute each movement with care and accuracy, and you will reap the benefits."
Fluidity
"The movement should be fluid, like a dance. Don't let rigidity hinder your progress. Breathe deeply and let your body and mind work together. Your success in Pilates depends on proper breathing."
Isolation
"Isolate the muscle you are working on. Each muscle has a unique function, and you must learn to target it correctly."
Posture
"Good posture is the key to a healthy life. Working on your posture will help you stand tall and walk with confidence."
Body respect
"Listen to your body. It will tell you when to push harder and when to slow down. Respect its signals."
Regularity
"Perseverance is the key to success. Regular practice will lead you to self-mastery and mastery of your body."