History of the Pilates Method
The founder of the Pilates Method, Joseph H. Pilates, was born in Germany in 1881. His philosophy of body conditioning is considered visionary in the eyes of many people.
In childhood, Pilates was frail and unhealthy. Those early health challenges seem to have sparked his motivation. In a quest for vitality, he studied many physical disciplines including: martial arts, fencing, wrestling, diving, and yoga.
He trained his body with focus and precision, applying the wisdom of these many disciplines. Ultimately his lifelong research culminated in the Pilates Method.
Core strength
is a popular idea in fitness today but the truth is that a strong and balanced whole body has always been key to the effectiveness of the work.
The Pilates Werks ever evolving approach includes
mindful integration of modern neuroscience with the traditional body centering/strengthening work of Joseph Pilates. We incorporate mindfulness and breath work with the movement and the energizing result feels like being supported by an internal, muscular corset.
Practicing this way creates a feeling of being lifted and elongated. If there has been compression to any spinal nerves due to poor posture habits, or compensation patterns, this pressure can be greatly relieved through the newly awakened (or re-awakened) midline+breath+whole body connection.
This is one of the reasons this approach is often recommended by healthcare professionals to minimize or possibly alleviate back pain.
Pilates Werks
offers a joint-friendly way to
invigorate and strengthen the body,
facilitate balance & coordination,
enhance body awareness,
improve flexibility and support
total body well-being.
