Pilates (pronounced puh-lah-teez and not pie-lates) 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, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.
Having emigrated to the US in 1926, Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara taught in their New York City studio serving a small and devoted list of clients in relative obscurity. In recent decades however, the Pilates Method has been embraced by mainstream culture around the world, and the word “Pilates” is now a household name.
“I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.” – Joseph H. Pilates
Pilates classes are most commonly delivered in three formats – group Mat classes, group Reformer classes, and private or small group studio classes where the client works on the full range of apparatus Pilates invented, such as the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair or Spine Corrector.
In recent decades, Pilates has achieved recognition and embrace by mainstream culture; it has made its way to stardom having been adopted by top celebrities; Reformer classes are popular in gyms, studios and health centers; and Pilates Mat classes now offer another option for those seeking relaxation and the benefits of exercise. The word Pilates is no longer strange to most people, and the recognition is global. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.
https://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/
