A Brief History of Pilates (plus a simple workout).
Without a German immigrant to the United States named Joseph Pilates in 1925, there would be no such thing as Pilates. In this article, we briefly track his story and the parallel development of the Pilates phenomenon.
The Early Years of Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born in a small village outside of Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880. His father was a prize-winning gymnast while his mother was a naturopath. Joseph was a sickly child, and he was frequently picked on by his peers. His physical frailty motivated him to work on building up his body.
By the age of 14, Joseph had developed his physique to such an extent that he was chosen as a model for a series of anatomical charts.
In 1912, the 32-year-old Joseph moved to England. When war broke out two years later, he was placed in an internment camp along with many other Germans. He was soon teaching his fellow inmates to do exercises, as well as giving instruction in boxing and wrestling.
Joseph also helped bedridden patients to do rehabilitative exercises. He adapted hospital beds with pulleys, springs, and straps in what was a forerunner of the Pilates Reformer machine.
When the war ended, Joseph returned to Germany. Settling in Hamburg, he continued to promote his exercise methods and was soon hired as a physical education instructor by the Hamburg Military Police. Around this time he also worked with famous dance choreographers Rudolf von Laban and Mary Wiggan.
Coming to America
In 1925, Pilates immigrated to the United States. On the ship, he met his future wife, Clara. The couple opened the very first Pilates Studio at 939 Eighth Avenue in New York City. Before long, the studio had become the go-to fitness place in New York.
Joseph taught out of his New York studio until the late 1960s. He died in 1967, at the age of 87. Three years later, Clara turned the studio over to a trusted friend and student named Romana Kryzanowska.
Pilates Becomes an Exercise Technique
In the 1980s attempts were made to trademark the Pilates name. A class-action lawsuit dragged on until, in 2000, a Manhattan Federal Court ruled that word Pilates was an exercise technique, similar to yoga or karate. As a result, it could not be trademarked by any one entity.
As a result of this ruling, anyone can now claim to be a Pilates instructor without requiring certification from any body. Anyone can also publish Pilates information, so you have to be wary that you are receiving the proper instruction.
A Simple Pilates Routine
This six-exercise routine teaches the fundamental movement principles of Pilates. They are great for improving core engagement and stability of the pelvis.
Pilates Arms Over
Pilates Angel Arms
Wrap Up
Perform each of these exercises for 60 seconds. Begin with two rounds of the workout and then add a third round after a week. After a month you can begin adding more advanced exercises.
