 Well,
maybe not the whole world, but certainly much of this country, parts
of Canada, Europe, and Pan-Asia are experiencing the explosion in
demand for Pilates, a method of exercise and physical movement designed
to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice
of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates
has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself,
but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training
and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. Widely embraced among
dancers for years, the exercises--"elephant," "swan",
the language--"pull navel to spine, and breeaaaathe,"
and the look--bright-eyed, refreshed, buoyant-without-necessarily-sweating,
is popping up in fitness classes, physical therapy offices, corporate
retreats, luxury spas and wellness centers across the country. Another
fad? A cult for the over-privileged? Think again. With the aging
of our population and the increasing trend toward mindful, moderate
health practices, Pilates is more likely to find itself with a wait
list at the YMCA, and in your local public schools--shaping the
fitness ideals of our next generation.
 Practiced
faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity
and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus.
Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles,
coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an
effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are
all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and
many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates
teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills
over into other areas of one's life.
Joseph Pilates, demonstrating
the importance of his unique exercise equipment
 Around
1914, Joseph Pilates was a performer and a boxer living in England
and, at the outbreak of WWI, was placed under forced internment
along with other German nationals in Lancaster, England. There he
taught fellow camp members the concepts and exercises developed
over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen, and
ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. It was at this time that
he began devising the system of original exercises known today as
"matwork", or exercises done on the floor. He called this
regimen "Contrology." A few years later, he was transferred
to another camp, where he became a nurse/caretaker to the many internees
struck with wartime disease and physical injury. Here, he began
devising equipment to rehabilitate his "patients," taking
springs from the beds and rigging them to create spring resistance
and "movement" for the bedridden.
In a way, Pilates equipment today is not much different than that
of yesteryear. Spring tension, straps to hold feet or hands, supports
for back, neck and shoulder are as important now as it was then.
Because of the remarkable nature of the equipment to both challenge
and support the body as it learns to move more efficiently, the
inimitably designed pieces truly act as a complement to the challenging
"matwork" exercises.
Joseph Pilates, on Pilates
While Joe was the outspoken force
behind his method, his wife Clara, a trained nurse, quietly incorporated
his concepts and exercises in ways that benefited more seriously
ill or injured clients. Her approachable style and special techniques
spawned a dedicated lineage of teachers whose work flows through
and uniquely colors the landscape of the Pilates method today. It
is perhaps because of Clara that Pilates is clearly recognized as
a positive form of movement-based exercise that truly can be tailored
to any level of not just fitness, but also of health.
Joseph Pilates, on natural
movement and the period of time taken to study the human body.
 Long-time
instructors who knew Joe maintain he and Clara would be very happy
and proud of the popularity and growth of Pilates. However, it is
less clear how he might feel about the influx of "quickie certifications"
available for would-be instructors wanting to be trained in a weekend
or two. Joe worked at length with his own instructors, allowing
them to assist and then finally teach after sometimes as long as
2 or 3 years of training and apprenticeship. He was quoted as saying,
"Remember Rome was not built in a day." and "Patience
and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment
of any worthwhile endeavor." While excellent training programs
exist in the marketplace today, some are clearly condensed and homogenized,
producing less-than-adequately qualified instructors. Comprehensively, competently trained
and knowledgeable instructors are the essential element in realizing
one's potential, and enjoying the process of learning Pilates.
To define, maintain, and support the commitment to training and
education of Pilates instructors, the Pilates Method Alliance™
was formed in 1999 as the nation's professional organization for
the Pilates method of exercise. Members are required to participate
in ongoing training, and must provide documentation to remain in
good standing. The PMA™ has set guidelines and recommendations
for teacher training programs, and is in the process of establishing
a National Certification Exam for the Pilates Method.
For more information on the Pilates Method visit the Pilates Method Alliance website by clicking here.
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