Session 8

I am currently reading two books about Pilates: The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning by Sean P. Gallagher & Romana Kryzanowska and The Pilates Body by Brook Siler. They have been very helpful. Both of them break down the exercises step-by-step which is nice. On days when I do not have sessions at Body Mind Balance, I will practice one or two of the exercises and it just helps reinforce what I have already learned. It also occurred to me as I was reading the books that a lot of people probably do not what Pilates' philosophy was or that fact that Joseph Pilates was a real person.

Both books give a brief biography of Joseph Pilates. Here is an abridged version from The Pilates Method.

“Joseph Pilates was born in German in 1880. He was a sickly child and dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Pilates studied and became proficient at body building, diving, skiing, and gymnastics.

In 1912 moved to England and was a boxer, circus performer, and self-defense trainer of English detectives. After World War I broke out he was interned on the Isle of Man where he became a nurse in the camp and trained other internees in physical fitness. He was widely credited when none of the inmates succumbed to an influenza epidemic that killed thousands in England.

After the war, Pilates continued his fitness programs in Hamburg. In 1926, disenchanted with working with the German Army, Pilates emigrated to the United States. On the ship to America, Pilates met his future wife Clara. They founded a studio in New York City which is in operation to this day. (the above image is Joseph and Clara Pilates)

Pilates and his method, which he called “Contrology,” soon established a following in the dance community. Later on, athletes and other performing artists studied under his Method.

Pilates practiced what he preached and lived a long, healthy life. He died in 1967 at the age of 87. “

Also according to The Pilates Method, Joseph Pilates philosophy is as follows:

“Was the product of lifelong observation of the human body and its natural functioning. He called this system ‘Contrology,’ which he defined as ‘the science and art of coordinated body-mind-spirit development through natural movements under strict control of the will.

The method combines the best of Western and Eastern traditions, blending the mind and body and viewing them as a unity working in complete harmony with one another. The Eastern approach is a path to calmness, being centered and whole, with an emphasis on stretching and limberness. The western approach emphasizes motion, muscle tone and strength. Pilates emphasized these two approaches in his Method.”