History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates developed his method, which he originally called "Contrology," in the early 20th century. He was a sickly child who suffered from asthma and rickets, and determined to improve his health. He and his wife Clara opened their first studio in Manhattan in 1926, located in the same building as the New York City Ballet, the studio became a sanctuary for legendary dancers like Martha Graham and George Balanchine to rehabilitate from injuries. Joseph Pilates created 34 original mat exercises that are incredibly difficult to master but were proven to deliver astonishing results for the entire body.
Pilates as we know it today
While the method began as a rigorous discipline for elite performers, it has evolved into a versatile practice designed for every body. Over the years, it has been adapted to foster greater inclusivity, allowing people of all fitness levels to experience its benefits. Pilates enhances your intrinsic muscles that we use in functional movements of everyday life so the benefits go beyond improving one's ability within a sport. Modern Pilates remains firmly underpinned by the six fundamentals Joseph Pilates abided by: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. However, the use of a range of modifications and preparatory movements, make the practice more accessible, inclusive and scalable.
How is Pilates different from Yoga?
The main difference is the core focus of each practice. Pilates is a modern discipline that focuses on improving physical core strength and functional movement whereas Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice centering around mindfulness and flexibility.