What is Pilates?
You may have heard people talking about Pilates as it is a popular type of exercise for a very good reason. If you have never tried it before you probably have the idea that it is similar to yoga. It does have similarities to yoga and some stretches and exercises are similar. However, yoga was first practiced thousands of years ago in India, and Pilates was invented by a German named Joseph Pilates around 1910-1920.
Probably due to ill-health as a youngster and then working with World War 1 veterans, Joseph spent his life trying to improve both his health and body condition and those with war injuries and amputations. During his youth, he tried gymnastics, boxing, yoga, and martial arts to become physically stronger and healthier.
Later in life, he met his wife who was a dancer, and used his health and fitness knowledge to help dancers with body conditioning and rehabilitation from injury.
The exercise and processes he developed have become known as the ‘Pilates Method’. Pilates classes can now be found worldwide but aren’t just for people with injuries. All adults benefit from doing Pilates exercises to keep their bodies flexible, strong, and injury-free.
Fundamentals of the Pilates Method
The 8 fundamental principles of Pilates are:
- relaxation,
- alignment,
- centring,
- breathing,
- flowing movements,
- concentration,
- stamina,
- coordination.
Taking part in a Pilates class
With the popularity of Pilates increasing hugely in the past 10 years, you can now find Pilates classes in every local gym and online. This means there is no excuse for you not to try a class. Although you can follow free YouTube classes, it is always better to have a fully qualified and experienced Pilates teacher instructing you to ensure you do not damage yourself more. There are online classes that do offer 1:1 or small group glasses over Zoom so that the teacher can watch what you are doing.
Jane Hamilton is a qualified pilates instructor who offers online Pilates classes for adults of all ages.
