What is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was born in 1883, in what is now Germany. He was very sickly as a child, so his father introduced him to gymnastics, body-building, jiujitsu, and boxing, to improve his health. In 1912, he moved to London, where he worked as a circus performer and a self-defense teacher (at Scotland Yard!!). However, when World War 1 started, the British rounded up all the German citizens and interned them. He closely watched the other inmates, who had become sickly, and started to devise ways to improve their physical condition, much as his father had done for him in earlier years. Since he was at an internment camp, very early equipment was made of mattress springs, and the minimal materials he could find there. After the war was over, he returned to Germany to improve on this new method he had built, calling it “Contrology”. 

Joseph immigrated to the U.S. around 1925, where he opened a studio. He trained many people while perfecting Contrology, including professional dancers, who discovered that this method was a good way to rehab from dancing injuries. He taught until the late 1960’s, until his passing at the age of 83. 

Contrology, or “Pilates”, as we now call it, is a mind-body exercise method that uses either a mat or equipment. It focuses on core engagement –the “powerhouse” muscles of the back, abs, and hips, by using breathing, alignment, concentration, and precision. Many Pilates exercises “look” easy, but if the core is engaged and proper form is followed, it is challenging and life-changing. 

 The most important aspect of improving your Pilates practice –or any physical exercise format –is consistency. It doesn’t have to look or feel perfect, it’s a long-term commitment to yourself to improve your health. Just keep showing up!  

Source: 

Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates and William J. Miller (1945)