History of Pilates

History:

Joseph PILATES

The teachings of J.H. Pilates have been around since the 1920's. Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1880, developed and refined series of controlled exercises to overcome his physical limitations.

He continued to develop his system of exercise whilst interned during World War 1. The origins of the modern day "Reformer", with its spring resistance and sliding carriage, are to be found in equipment that Joseph Pilates developed during this period to enable bed-ridden patients to continue to exercise.

Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York and opened together with his wife Clara his first dedicated 'Pilates' studio'. Dance legends as Martha Graham and George Balanchine were his students. His technique was applied from 1960 by ballet dancers to prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining long even muscle tone.

He was fond of speculating that he was far ahead of his time with his theories and ideas. Joseph Pilates considered Pilates, or contrology as he called it, to be “ the complete coordination of body/mind/spirit". Practice each movement with total attention.

The Pilates principles -- centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow -- are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind. This way you achieve the best results !

"It's the mind itself that builds the body"

- Joseph Pilates-

STOTT PILATES

STOTT PILATES is the contemporary, anatomical-based, approach to the original method pioneered by Joseph PILATES. Based on her extensive training in this method of exercise and with input from sports medicine and fitness professionals, Moira STOTT – MERRETHEW has refined the method.

STOTT PILATES incorporates the modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation. It promotes the concepts of neutral spine and pelvic - neutral alignment-, core stability and peripheral mobility.

The exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization.

The STOTT PILATES repertoire consists of more than 500 systematic mat and equipment-based mind-body exercises. It involves balancing preparatory, essential, intermediate and advanced level exercises, creating uniquely effective workout formats, applicable to people of all ages and levels

STOTT PILATES 5 BASIC PRINCIPLES

These 5 biomechanical principles raise awareness of how the body moves and ensures focus on precision and control so that you can realize the full benefits :

1. Breathing

2. Pelvic placement

3. Ribcage placement

4. Scapular movement

5. Head and cervical placement

STOTT PILATES is a full-service Pilates organization worldwide. A leader in Pilates education and equipment.