What Is Pilates?

Pilates, first developed in the early part of the 20th century, has come into its own as a mainstream movement system that brings strength and stretch, connects mind and body, and works from the core or “power house” to enhance all activity, both daily life and athletic endeavors.

Based on a series of exercises practiced systematically, Pilates yields strength and flexibility, coordination (both muscular and mental), improved posture, balance, core strength, bone density, joint health, lung capacity and circulation.

Through a course of self-study of yoga, Zen, ancient Greek and Roman regimes, as well as training as a boxer and gymnast, Joseph Pilates devised the original system of mat work, or exercises done on the floor (originally known as Contrology.) While placed in an internment camp for German nationals in England during WWI, Pilates taught his exercises to fellow internees. When transferred to another camp, and placed in the position of nurse to the injured and ill, he began devising equipment to rehabilitate his “patients.” Taking springs from the beds, he rigged them to create resistance in order to create the strength and stretch they lacked.

Today’s Pilates equipment utilizes the same basic design and principles by using spring resistance to challenge and support the body. This creates efficient movement which recruits all the muscles of the body. Developing minor muscles, including stabilizers, balances and strengthens major muscles, or mobilizers.

Pilates complements all forms of movement, exercise and athletic training, from yard work to marathon running, as it creates balance in the body, helps resolve incorrect movement patterns, and stimulates all the systems of the body.

Pilates is taught both in one-on-one sessions and in group classes. Because Pilates corrects imbalances created by improper movement patterns, and challenges the body to new levels of strength and flexibility, working in a private session with a trained instructor gives optimum and personalized results. Their trained eye can discern imbalances; they can modify exercises for those with special needs (such as those with injuries, runners with tight hamstrings, golfers with low back pain, pregnant women, etc.), and these instructors help to guide and focus the mind/body connection as the student learns to control their muscles using their own mind.

Mat and reformer classes provide the same level of instruction, though it will not be tailored to each individual student. Classes utilize the collective energy of the group to motivate and stimulate. Classes are less expensive than private sessions with an instructor.

Look for an instructor trained through a comprehensive training program that required a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours. Each of these training programs, while adhering to the principles of Joseph Pilates, have slightly different emphasis and focus. You may want to try a couple of different teachers before you find one who suits your goals and personality.

The following are general guidelines, questions, and information you can use to help search for a qualified Pilates teacher:

1. Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training program?
2. Did that training program require a written and practical test, lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?
3. How many total hours were spent in the training program? (The Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training. Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
4. Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching experience?
5. How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
6. What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty? Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
7. Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates on all pieces of apparatus?



Pilates Method Alliance

For more information on Pilates, or to find a teacher nationally and internationally, please check with the Pilates Method Alliance.