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Pilates: Interesting History
submitted: Dec 16th 2007 |
by: SelenaRymore
Total views: 10 |
Word Count: 665 |
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The hottest vehicle for average men and women to reach their perfect-body plateaus is not a "new" trend at all.
The Pilates Method has experienced a popularity explosion in recent years, sweeping across North America, Asia, and Europe. This type of exercise was actually developed in the early 20th century by a German national named Joseph Pilates, and the methods are really very simple.
Joseph Pilates developed this exercise form, naming it "The Art of Contrology". It is a basic program that uses the mind to control the muscles. That simple idea eventually evolved into a far more complex exercise program, with focus on the core postural muscles. Fans of Pilates exercise believe that these core muscles support the spine and help balance the body.
Joseph Pilates developed the initial Pilates Method during the World War I, when he and other German nationals were placed under forced internment in Lancaster, England. As a trained nurse, Pilates had been actively investigating ways to help rehabilitate bed-ridden victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic.
Amassing all that he had learned in those twenty years of self-study, Joseph Pilates applied his vast knowledge of yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens and created a series of movements that could be practiced within the confines of this controlled environment. He taught these movements and concepts to his fellow camp members and devised the original system of exercises, now known as "mat work". This initial exercise regimen of "contrology" was successfully performed by many of Pilates' fellow WWI detainees in the cramped quarters they shared.
The Pilates Method is more than a combination of physical movements. It was created from the belief that physical health cannot be gained without mental health, and vice-versa. That's why so many people believe that Pilates is actually a method of total body conditioning. The movements and physical practices strengthen the body while emphasizing proper alignment, concentration, precision, centering, control, breathing and flowing movements. Now, even decades later, these basic principles remain the major factors of the modern Pilates Method.
Physical exercise was an important element of Mr. Pilates' concept, although this aspect differed from more traditional regimes. Rather than performing a series of repetitions of each exercise, Joseph Pilates developed a program of precise movements that required form and control. In all, Pilates designed over 500 of these very specific exercises to be included in his Pilates Method. The Pilates 'mat work' exercises are most frequently used, involving a series of callisthenic motions performed on a padded mat, without the use of apparatus or added weights.
Joseph Pilates followed up the development of his initial mat work exercises by designing five major pieces of unique exercise equipment. These, he claimed, would provide optimal results. The two components of the Pilates Method are often taught and practiced individually now, but the original Pilates Method combined both equipment exercises and mat work.
Most of the exercises involved in the Pilates Method were developed to create awareness of neutral alignment of the spine. These exercises also strengthen the deep postural muscles that support this alignment, playing a vital role in preventing or alleviating back pain.
A recent development in the Pilates Method is known as Gravity Pilates. Those practicing gravity Pilates believe that the body's "powerhouse" is a combination of the lower back, abdomen and buttocks areas. When these areas are supported and strengthened, the rest of the body is able to move more freely.
Many men and women trust the Pilates method for rehabilitation and physical fitness. It is still a popular exercise program for celebrities and fitness buffs, and it's just as popular with physical therapists as rehabilitation exercises. When practicing Pilates, the weight of your own body is used to train your muscles and increase your strength and flexibility.
While there is nothing "new" about the Pilates Method, the program continues to gain popularity as more and more people discover its many benefits.
About the Author
Author Selena Rymore enjoys writing articles for numerous web sites, on health fitness and healthy aging themes. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.
Article Source: Unique Financial Articles
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