About Pilates

What Is It?
The Pilates method is based on numerous physical exercises designed to fuse between mind and body by engaging controlled precise movements. Pilates was invented in the early 20's by a German physical trainer named Joseph H. Pilates. The Pilates exercise system offers an energetic and refreshing workout that suits any level of fitness in varied ages.

What Is It Good For?
• Raises awareness to mastering our muscles by fusion of body and mind.
• Develops strength, flexibility, agility, posture and balance.
• Pilates workouts teach the body to move more smoothly and freely while toning and elongating the muscles.
• Pilates workouts focus on a group of muscles called "the powerhouse" areas – abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. The rest of the muscles are treated equally.
• Pilates exercise helps ease back pain and support pelvis and spine.
• The Pilates method is designed to achieve an optimal Physical result by combining all elements together: Breathing, Centering, Concentrating, Control, Flowing and Movement.
• Pilates is now commonly used in physical therapy facilities, rehabilitation centers, spas, health clubs and gyms.
• Pilates workouts are easy to perform and have a variety of formats.
• Pilates exercises are suitable for all people at all ages, and are performed in different tempos, according to individual abilities.

Who Is It Good For?
• Women and Men at all ages
• Pregnant women
• Health and fitness enthusiasts
• Businessmen
• Students
• People who need Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy centers
• Health, spa and hotel resorts


Joseph H. Pilates
Joseph H. Pilates was born in 1880 in Dusseldorf, Germany, to German and Greek parents. In 1912 Pilates moved to England and worked as a self defense trainer for English detectives at the Scotland Yard.
During World War I, Pilates interned as a German outsider in the British army. During his internship, Pilates developed and refined his ideas and trained other internees by his system of exercise.
Pilates inserted springs to hospital beds to exercise patients with resistance and without them having to move from their beds. Later on, he took advantage of this innovation and came out with his Pilates method.

In 1926, he migrated to New York and started a successful Pilates studio with his wife Clara. The lessons pivoted around his apparatus of exercises. Many of his clients were dancers, athletes and actors.
Pilates wrote a few books about his exercise method. After his death in 1967 at the age of 87, his wife Clara and his disciples continued teaching Pilates and preserving his legacy at their own institutions and courses.
Pilates wasn't merely a physical exercise but a method designed to improve flexibility and strengthen the entire body, while controlling the muscles and movements and uniting our body and mind.


Pilates Principles
The Pilates method is based on several principles, all of which are crucial for the implementation and success of the exercises. All principles and elements merge to form the Pilates system. The Pilates principles are:

Breathing – Joseph Pilates believed that breathing correctly is highly important in order to keep the blood pumping and remove all wastes and gases from the body. The Pilates system emphasizes the element of inhalation and exhalation in every exercise, and specific breathing instructions are given at all workouts. Breathing correctly and fully is not enough. It is important and necessary to perform the rest of the other exercise elements simultaneously.

Centering – All Pilates' workouts focus on a group of muscles called "the powerhouse"– abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. The Pilates exercise builds these areas as a strong foundation of the body while constructing the rest of the organs equally.

Concentration – In the Pilates method concentration is mandatory in order to unite body and mind. All participants must be fully aware of their entire body. A lot of attention is invested in every movement, so that activities and motions we once took for granted seem more complex after a while.

Control – Pilates instructors teach participants to completely control their muscles. No random or unnecessary movements are performed. Every aspect of every movement is taken into consideration.

Precision – Each movement has a purpose in the Pilates method. Thus, in order to maximize the success of the exercise performed, every instruction should be performed perfectly and thoroughly, without dropping any detail. This approach is based on a notion that quality movements are better and more effective than a large quantity of halfhearted movements.

Fluidity – Based on natural functions, the Pilates method encourages dynamic motions of the body, with emphasize on grace and fluidity. There are no quick or sloppy movements. By Pilates, the key to good posture, flexibility, and natural grace, is developing muscles uniformly.