The Freer Body Studio The History of Pilates

The Origins of the Pilates Method: Who Was Joe?..

Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born in 1880 in Dusseldorf Germany, emerged from a frail and sickly childhood blighted by rickets, rheumatic fever and asthma, determined to overcome his fragility. He experimented with many methods of exercise, including yoga, gymnastics, dance, circus training, weight training, diving, skiing and self-defence drawing on varying aspects of each discipline to enable him to create a system that offered a near perfect blend of strength and flexibility. Developing his own body and health, he began to teach interrupted only briefly by the outbreak of WW1.

Pilates and Rehabilitation

Having trained detectives at Scotland Yard his focus became the horrifically injured war veterans with whom he shared his internment in UK during the war. Developing his technique with incredible success his knowledge of rehabilitation grew, influencing further his unique understanding of the human form.

Joe Pilates and Rehabilitation

As the war ended he returned to Germany instructing both the German Army and Hamburg police in self-defence. But in 1926 came his move to the United States of America and, arguably, the beginning of the phase of his life that would sow the seeds for the future of exercise worldwide.

Contrology & the Birth of Pilates

Established in New York news of the amazing effects of his techniques drew leading ballet dancers, actors, gymnasts and athletes to his studio and his work. Joseph was way ahead of his time, in his anatomical knowledge; interpretation of movement pathways in the body and application of his exercises to his clients’ individual physique. And he was dogged in his expectations: commitment, regular practice and NO excuses! Without a set, official training programme being established, Joseph’s clients went on to teach what they had learned from him and the system that he called “Contrology”. And so his methods were passed on, becoming what we now all know to be, “Pilates”.

Pilates Today

The Pilates method of exercise is a safe and yet highly effective form of body conditioning offering long-term results. Through an extensive repertoire of exercises the core postural muscles are targeted; strengthening and re-balancing the body whilst bringing it into correct alignment. Your body becomes longer, leaner, stronger and yet more flexible as slow, controlled movements are applied. Co-ordination is greatly improved as the complexity of movements is increased according to your developing strength and mobility. Highly efficient breathing patterns mean this is a great way to relieve unwanted tension and anxiety.

Pilates - Recommended by Medical Professionals

Gentle, effective exercise delivered by a properly trained exercise professional can help with the prevention and management of “Non-Specific” lower back pain. This is why Pilates is recommended by medical professionals, physiotherapists and osteopaths as a highly effective way of increasing both the strength and flexibility of your back.

Pilates for Sportsmen & Sportswomen

Pilates is perfect for sportsmen and women looking to enhance their performance and avoid the risk of injury. It is an inherent part of many a professional training regime, from tennis payers to rugby squads.

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