Why Pilates?
I’ve been reflecting a lot in the past few weeks about Pilates. After opening our second location and spending a few months in full “work mode” I found myself fielding a lot of questions about “so why Pilates?” On the surface my quick response is “because it’s efficient, fun, and I love it!” Digging deeper I realize that my attraction runs much deeper.
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in 1883 in Germany. He didn’t actually call Pilates – Pilates. He used the term “Controlology.” As a kid he spent a lot of time learning about exercise and strived to embody the Greek ideal of a man balanced in body, mind, and spirit. In 1926 he came to the United States and opened a fitness studio. This studio happened to share an address with the NYC ballet and the dancers became some of his first students.
Pilates was an innovator – his equipment design, his passion for learning about the body, and his method of teaching. When he died in 1967 it was his wife Clara and his former students who kept his teachings alive and is the reason so many of us have had the chance to fall in love with it ourselves.
I was honored last year to contribute to an article in the NYT by Danielle Friedman that was questioning if Pilates was still relevant in the current exercise landscape. I enthusiastically say YES although I acknowledge some classical instructors may cringe at how broadly “Pilates” has been applied and adapted. So…back to the original question – WHY PILATES?
I appreciate the opportunity to explore mind and body connections
I love that it is adaptable to everyone. In my 15 years as an instructor I have yet to meet anyone who simply can’t do Pilates.
The equipment is magical – I am constantly learning new ways to apply to equipment to help solve a problem in the body or explore deeper connections in movement. While not traditional, I think Joe would be proud that people are finding new ways to expand on his original work.
Pilates challenges the body in ways that are needed and not done enough in our day to day life. I like to say it’s cross training for modern life.
As we learn more about movement, pain, and the need for well-care alongside sick-care Pilates-based exercises stand strong and can be applied in all sorts of settings.
OK last one – I’m 5’2″ tall – (most days I forget I’m that short to be truthful) but after each Pilates session I would swear I was at least an inch taller! I love the sensation of feeling alive and organized in my body that I get after a Pilates workout. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good run or a spin on the bike too but the feeling I get from Pilates is special.
Want to learn more and experience Pilates for yourself? Book a Discovery Session today with one of our talented professionals. Call 303-993-2237 to start your Pilates journey.
