In addition to the set or choreographed exercises and equipment, Joe had a whole set of principles that sum up the underlying philosophy or motivation behind his technique. Check them out below....


JOE'S 3 MAJOR PRINCIPLES
Whole Body Health
Whole Body Commitment
BREATH

THE PILATES PRINCIPLES
Concentration
Control
Centering
Coordination
Precision
Balanced Muscle Development
Rhythm
Flowing Movement
Limited Repetitions


Does it help make some sense out of what Pilates is about? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on cultivating a way to have Pilates in your life, click here to contact me directly.

Who was Joseph H. Pilates?

Joe was born in 1880 in Germany to a Greek father, a world-class athlete, and a German mother, a naturopath. Joe was a sickly child. He had asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. This is why his exercise system does not stress the heart or lungs. He was “put outdoors” to heal and became an exercise enthusiast practicing many forms including Yoga, boxing and gymnastics. His mother was his first client. She developed a limp when he was about 10 years old and he rehabilitated her.

When World War I began Joe became interned as an enemy alien in England. He worked with the patients to rehabilitate injuries and promote overall health. Joe modified the hospital beds and developed a system using bedsprings as resistance to help bedridden patients. This later became the trapeze table and reformer. The men in Joe’s dorm did the mat work exercises every evening. During the outbreak of Spanish Influenza in 1918, 20 million people died. No one under Joe’s care died!

Joe immigrated to the United States in 1926, which was a time of peace in between World War 1 and World War 2. Joe met Clara, a nurse and his future wife, on the boat to the US. They settled in New York City and opened their exercise studio on 8th Avenue. George Balanchine’s studio was in the same building. This exposed Joe’s work to the dance community, especially it’s success in rehabilitating injured dancers and allowing them to perform fully again. Besides working with dancers, the general public also began to benefit from the Pilates method to strengthen, stretch and balance the body.

Joe taught up until his death in 1968. He continued to create and build more apparatus that expanded his system and it’s effectiveness. Joe and Clara also trained many of his students to teach the Pilates system. His book, Return to Life, is still relevant and is a core text in any Pilates teacher training program. The Pilates method continues to inform and influence the fitness and wellness industry.


Did you find this interesting? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on getting some Pilates in your life, click here to contact me directly.

Hey guys!


So- I often get asked what kind of Pilates is “the best.”


As you can imagine, there are lots of differing opinions out there. 


Mine happens to be that “the best” kind of Pilates is the kind that you can do safely, pain-free, and consistently. If it also feels awesome and is fun or you are encouraged by your progress, then I endorse it even more fully! 


I have summarized some of the pros and cons below based upon my training, experience, and professional opinion. If you have some thoughts you’d like to share below in the comments, I’d love to see them!


Overall Benefits of Pilates

• can be modified to work for every body
• improved strength, mobility, and coordination
• Improved static and dynamic posture 
• improved balance & fall prevention
• increased confidence in movement ability 
• improved mood
• injury prevention
• increased mental focus & productivity
• improved breathing/lung fitness 
• stress management
• mind body connection
• a great supplement to other workouts or activities
• promotes active and healthy aging

The list goes on and on, but those are some of the highlights.


Benefits of Private Lessons:

• Everything is designed and taught to meet your unique needs.
• You will be able to learn and progress at your own pace.
• Avoid overwhelm & frustration, you can stop and ask as many questions as you need without feeling embarrassed or that you are slowing the class down
• Props that help you achieve the intent and “get the feeling” of each exercise will support you in having positive movement experiences
• The instructor will make sure you get the specific corrections you need, and can even modify the exercise on the spot to help you find a way to do it correctly. 
• The machines/apparatus are so amazing! and fun…
• It is a great way for people with significant health or physical challenges to safely exercise.
• You don’t have to be able to get up and down off of the floor.
• Create a smooth, safe transition back to full activity after an injury or illness. 

Benefits of Group Classes:

• Great social interaction & connection with like minded individuals
• You can ask questions that the instructor can answer immediately
• You will get corrections in addition to helpful cues 
• lower price point that private lessons

Benefits of Videos:

• convenience, no travel time
• can be done whenever it fits into your busy schedule
• you are still doing Pilates!
• can be a helpful option when traveling or to supplement the rest of your lessons or classes. 

Benefits of Mixing the Modalities:

• Variety will prevent boredom and encourage consistency
• Reduce the effects of our sedentary lifestyles by including more mindful or healthy movement
• It makes you feel empowered when you can adapt your practice to work for you

What works for you? 
Please feel free to comment or ask questions below.


If you are interested in trying some private lessons or need some guidance on adding some Pilates into your life, click here to contact me directly.

It seems like it should be so simple and easy. Right?
​But, most of us struggle to really get the hang of healthy, effective breathing mechanics. There are so many different ways to do it and cue it, it can get really confusing. ​