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Invented by German born Joseph Pilates (pronounced Pi-la-tees) some 70 years ago, the original total body conditioning program was defined as “Contrology”. Contrology was the basic fundamental of the Pilates’ Method consisting of 34 mat work exercises. “Return to Life through Contrology” was originally published in 1945. The inventive German instructor taught his students to believe that “contrology exercise develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” In 1920 this revolutionary method of physical and mental conditioning was brought to the United States. By 1940 Mr. Pilates had his own studio on Eighth Avenue in New York City. Many new students flocked to his sessions, dancers in particular. His techniques allowed dancers to perform at new levels of expertise and also to extend the time they could continue to dance. Other professions and just heath conscious people benefited from his methodology too. Read the rest of this entry »

I have recently received many questions about the Pilates Method. Even though I don’t teach Pilates, I have attended several classes, including training sessions. I have also asked many of my students who have been attending Pilates classes how they react, feel and what results they have noticed. Therefore, I am going to share what I have learned in hopes that it will answer most of your questions.

What is Pilates?

Developed in the 1920s by the physical trainer, Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, coordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility. Read the rest of this entry »