The Man Behind The method
joseph Hubertus Pilates
The Classical Pilates Method was created by Joseph Hubertus Pilates in the early 20th century. Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany on December 9, 1883. From a young age he had an interest in movement because of his own conditions and became dedicated to improving his health and strength. Joseph H. Pilates was a man of many crafts. He was a performer, gymnast, body builder, skier, diver, and boxer.
In 1914, Joseph H. Pilates was living in England during the outbreak of World War I and was interned in a camp where he began to teach fellow members his developing system which he called “Contrology”, the art of control. It was during this time he was innovating what is known today as the original Pilates Mat-Work. He assisted in the healing of those with wartime disease and physical injuries through this method. His concepts and conditioning had a great impact on those effected. He later began to utilize the hospital beds by attaching springs to further help rehabilitate his “patients” regain their strength. His unique way of thinking led him to develop the foundation for his work and apparatus you now see in Pilates studios.
In 1926, Joseph H. Pilates set up his first Pilates studio in New York City and the method continued to grow and evolve from there.
What is Pilates?
Classical Pilates is a disciplined, systematic form of movement that focuses on it’s six key principles; precision, control, breath, flow, concentration, and centering. Pilates is about connecting the mind and body, creating a balanced, aligned, and reslient body capable of efficient, intentional movement. It requires mental focus and deliberate controlled motions.
Pilates offers numerous physical, mental, and even emotional benefits. At the heart of every Pilates exercises is the “powerhouse” —which is the center of your body — your abdominals, lower back, hips, pelvis, and glutes. Pilates strengthens this region, which supports better posture, balance, and functional strength in daily life. It will teach you how to move with bodily awareness, working to align your spine and strengthen your body within that alignment. This can be crucial to alleviating pain in the body especially in the lower back or neck and can help correct muscle imbalances. Pilates will safely increase your bodies joint mobility and flexibility due to its controlled approach. It will also help increase your lung capacity because of its focus on how you breathe and utilizing breath throughout the work.
Pilates challenges your balance, coordination, and proprioception particularly through unilateral exercises and apparatus work. This can enhance athletic performance and reduce risk of injury or falling, especially as we age.
Pilates is often used as a tool for injury prevention or rehabilitation due to it’s low-impact system and focus on alignment, control, and strengthening of stabilizing muscles. Incorporating Pilates into your routine can transform your body from the inside out. You will leave feeling taller, more centered, and stronger after just a few sessions.
Whether you’re an athlete, a beginner, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your quality of life, Classical Pilates is a safe, effective, empowering method that delivers lasting results.