History of Pilates

Pilates is a great form of exercise that some believe to be a new form of exercise.  However, the truth is that Pilates has been around since the early nineteen hundreds.  This method of exercise is a series of workouts that can be done on a mat or with special equipment that is made just for these routines

Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates developed Pilates.  He was born in Germany in 1880.  As a boy, he was small and weak.  This is what brought his attention to exercise.  He wanted to become healthier and stronger to be more physical attractive.  He was obsessed with creating a perfect body and became a great skier, boxer and even gymnast.

In the event of World War I, Joseph Pilates was helpful to those that were injured in the war.  He used his exercise ideas to develop equipment that would rehabilitate those needing to help recovering from their injuries experienced in the war.  This provided a great help to many of the victims who otherwise may have remained incapacitated by their injuries. 

First Exercise Studio

In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened up their first exercise studio in New York City.  Many of his first clients came from the world of dance.  Many great dance professionals were very fond of this new method of exercise and getting fit.  Since then more and more people have been drawn to the Pilates forms of exercise.  It is being practiced in many places all over the world. 

Improved Daily Functioning

There are many benefits to Pilates.  It helps to make people not only stronger and healthier, but also improves their ability to carry out their daily functions, functions that they may normally have a hard time with.  Some of these activities may include picking up their children and doing yard work, as examples.  These are just a few of the daily functions that can be improved from doing this type of exercise. 

Today, there are many videos, classes and new equipment that have been introduced to the world of Pilates.  This is what is making it one of the best known forms of exercise and strength training that is available today.  Many people are now dedicated to Pilates as the way to keep them looking good on the outside and feeling great on the inside as well.