History of Pilates
Pilates was created in the 1920s by the physical trainer Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) to strengthen his own body and improve his health after a sickly childhood.
In the early years, Pilates was used for the rehabilitation of soldiers returning from the war, as well as dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine (to strengthen their bodies and heal their aches and pains).
Since the 1920s, the basic tenets that Joseph Pilates set down have been preserved, and to this day, even with some modifications, the Pilates method remains true to its origins.
Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health are inter-related and he developed a system of exercises that were intended to strengthen the human mind and body.
The Pilates “method,” as it is now known, is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness, without necessarily building bulk. The method is a series of controlled movements performed on specially designed spring-resistant exercise apparatus or on the floor (mat work), and the sessions are supervised by specially trained instructors.
The first generation of Joseph Pilates’ students went on to open studios and teach the Pilates method. The most prominent among them included Romana Kryzanowska, from whom Hazel received her certification.
