Since Joe had made such a remarkable impact with his Pilates training over the last decade several of his understudies went on to open their own studios. Two former students, Carola Trier and Bob Seed were the first to open up their own studios. Joe had personally assisted Carola in opening her studio in the [...]
The History of Pilates
In America today over ten million people practice Pilates, but its inception began with just one man. In 1914, German-born Joseph Humbertus Pilates, began developing his unconventional approach to “mind-body fitness”. He was a sickly child and struggled with asthma. It was his early adversity that led him to the search for alternative forms of [...]
Pilates Breathing: Why its Important
Our breath is like the frame around a masterpiece in a museum. You don’t give it credit for the creation necessarily, but you notice that it protects and holds the art in a way that compliments and stabilizes the balance of the piece. Pilates’ unique breathing pattern displays our breath front and center, removing the [...]
Pilates For Men
For those men that associate loss of breath, excess amounts of sweat, and muscle failure with a good workout, you may find the transition into Pilates difficult at first. Curt Schilling once said, “”The first three weeks, I was really disappointed. I wasn’t sweating. I wasn’t winded, which is what I associate with true exercise.” [...]
Choose a Studio That has a Pilates Certification
By far, one of the biggest concerns for a new Pilates client looking for a new studio is certification. Since there is not a standardized system in place that acts as the gold standard in Pilates certification it can be a little nerve-wracking trying to decide if the trainers in a studio are qualified. The [...]
Tips on Finding a Pilates Studio
When it comes to buying a house, a car or anything that involves a major investment, there a quite a few boxes that need to be checked before the ink is dry. Out of necessity and in hopes to make a balanced and well thought out decision, a list is compiled of needs and concerns [...]
Pilates for Fitness vs. Pilates for Rehabilitation- Part 2
An interview with Lindy Royer, a professional physical therapist for the last twenty years, sheds a little light on Pilates for fitness versus Pilates for rehabilitation. She says, “I think the big difference between Pilates for rehabilitation and Pilates for fitness is that the former focuses on getting an individual to a desired state of [...]
Pilates for Fitness vs. Pilates for Rehabilitation
Pilates has a two-fold purpose. Its ability to meet a client right at the crux of their needs makes it a pliable, approachable, and effectual practice. However the pendulum of Pilates has a large range of swing, and its overarching benefits cover a huge plot of demographic terrain. Celebrities and athletes can be found in [...]
The Price of Pilates: Returns are More than Monetary
In an economy where every dollar counts, some people are cutting corners when it comes to their health. Gym memberships, buying healthy foods, and taking time out for relaxation and self-reflection are sometimes the first “extras” to be cut out of our time and cash budget. Even though we may be saving a few dollars, [...]
Mat Vs. Machine Pilates
Mat based Pilates focuses on proper body alignment, flexibility, joint mobilization and breathing patterns without the addition of external resistance. The body is the only resistant force that a student will use in a mat Pilates class. Learning to support the body against gravity is emphasized. Changing the body position, lowering tension within the body, [...]