Background on Pilates....just for an FYI
It is actually the name of the man who invented the exercise. His name was Joseph H. Pilates and he came to America from Germany. He had started the exercises in Germany in the 1920's while working as a nurse in a prison camp. Soon after he began training a boxer who decided to move to America and wanted Joseph to join him as his trainer.
Joseph agreed only if they would open a studio in New York for him. Thus, the New York Pilates studio was born. While in New York Joseph invented several different machines that would then assist the exerciser with the movements that he had developed. He designed eight different machines; the two main machines became known as the Reformer and The Cadillac. Through these machines he developed hundreds of exercises.
The exercises soon caught the attention of ballet dancers, and that is where they have been taught for the past 80 years. Famous dancers, such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham have used the exercises as therapy for their injuries, and adapted the exercises to fit their needs.
In the past 5-10 years many celebrities have begun using the exercises to change and shape their bodies. Most recently it has begun to filter into the health club industry, thus creating a much larger demand for exercises that are therapeutic and relaxing.
Joseph agreed only if they would open a studio in New York for him. Thus, the New York Pilates studio was born. While in New York Joseph invented several different machines that would then assist the exerciser with the movements that he had developed. He designed eight different machines; the two main machines became known as the Reformer and The Cadillac. Through these machines he developed hundreds of exercises.
The exercises soon caught the attention of ballet dancers, and that is where they have been taught for the past 80 years. Famous dancers, such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham have used the exercises as therapy for their injuries, and adapted the exercises to fit their needs.
In the past 5-10 years many celebrities have begun using the exercises to change and shape their bodies. Most recently it has begun to filter into the health club industry, thus creating a much larger demand for exercises that are therapeutic and relaxing.
