Joseph Pilates and the Pilates Exercise Program
Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates exercise system more than 70 years ago. Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) uses the body weight of the participant to build strength and flexibility. The exercises developed by Joseph Pilates, of which there are more than 500, were designed to be performed in a precise controlled form to provide total body conditioning. Our fast paced modern life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health, according to Joseph Pilates.
Joseph Pilates originally developed his exercises so that they could be performed by bed-ridden patients lying in bed with a limited range of movement. The range of Pilates equipment now includes simple exercise mats and toning balls, through to strength rings and exercise machines, all of which allow exercises based on the theme of limited movement developed by Joseph Pilates.
Joseph Pilates developed 6 Principles which the exercises are designed to use - Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breathing, and Flowing Movement. The 6 Principles can help to Improve Concentration, Increase Flexibility, Muscle Tone, Strength, Energy and Body Awareness, all of which work together to provide the total body conditioning of the original thoughts by Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates system utilizes light impact, light muscular exercises and can help to treat and prevent back pain and other muscular ailments. Joseph Pilates exercises also act towards ensuring proper alignment of the Spine by developing and strengthening the core muscles of the body. The exercises can be employed by anyone of any age, another original idea originally thought of Joseph Pilates.
Joseph Pilates gained many followers of his system, a following which has continued up to the present day. Winsor Pilates developed by Mari Winsor is based on the original moves of Joseph Pilates . A long-time professional dancer and teacher, she operates two Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area and lists many celebrities as her clients, all following the teachings of Joseph Pilates.