In 1914, Joseph Pilates was placed under forced internment with other German nationals in Lancaster, England
during the outbreak of WWI. He taught camp members concepts and exercises from yoga, Zen, ancient Greek
and Roman physical regimens. He began devising exercises done on the floor, known today as "matwork."
Pilates became a nurse to the many internees struck with disease and physical injury. He devised equipment
to rehabilitate his patients with springs rigged to create spring resistance and movement for the bedridden.
Pilates equipment today is not much different. It both challenges and supports the body as it learns to move
more efficiently. The inimitably designed pieces act as a complement to the challenging matwork exercises.
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.
With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven
itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports
training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.
Source: Pilates Method Alliance, www.pilatesmethodalliance.org
during the outbreak of WWI. He taught camp members concepts and exercises from yoga, Zen, ancient Greek
and Roman physical regimens. He began devising exercises done on the floor, known today as "matwork."
Pilates became a nurse to the many internees struck with disease and physical injury. He devised equipment
to rehabilitate his patients with springs rigged to create spring resistance and movement for the bedridden.
Pilates equipment today is not much different. It both challenges and supports the body as it learns to move
more efficiently. The inimitably designed pieces act as a complement to the challenging matwork exercises.
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.
With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven
itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports
training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.
Source: Pilates Method Alliance, www.pilatesmethodalliance.org