What is Pilates? What is the Pilates Method?

 

“Pilates” is a method of exercise, created by its founder Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Mr.

Pilates’ wife Clara Pilates also played an important role in the development and

teaching of his exercise method.

What do we know about Joseph Pilates?  

Mr. Pilates was born in town called Mönchengladbach, in Germany, on December 9, 1883. He emigrated to the United States in 1926, settling in New York City where he lived until

his death in 1967 at the age of 83.

What did Mr. Pilates call his exercise method?

 

Mr. Pilates called his method “corrective exercise”, and later branded it “Contrology.” However, today his method is known by his last name, “Pilates.”

Do you need any special equipment to practice Pilates?  

No. Mr. Pilates’ exercise method can be performed on mats on the floor. However, his exercises are also taught on special equipment that he designed. The most common Pilates equipment that you will find in a

Pilates studio today includes the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, and Wunda Chair.

Did Mr. Pilates write any books?  

Mr. Pilates wrote two books. Your Health, published in 1934, and Return To Life, published in 1945.

Return To Life shows all of Mr. Pilates’ mat exercises with photos and instructions about how

to perform the movements correctly.

Who practices Pilates today?  

People from all walks of life practice Pilates. In addition, over the last several years, athletes and celebrities have attributed their success in part to the addition of Pilates to their exercise plan.

 

LeBron James, Miami Heat, 2010-2014, basketball player Misty May-Treanor, Olympic Volleyball Gold Medalist Oprah Winfrey, global celebrity and opinion former Kris Humphries, Brooklyn Nets, basketball player

Kerry Walsh, Olympic Volleyball Gold Medalist Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat, basketball player

Maria Sharapova, tennis player

Information prepared by the Pilates Method Alliance www.pilatesmethodalliance.org