Pilates Method
This paper is to you about the founder of Pilates, the Pilates Method and three health affects that it has on the human body, as well as a few common misconceptions.
Pilates has grown in popularity and as the word spreads, several myths have come about, such as, but not limited to, it being identical to yoga, serving as a rapid fix for abs and that it is mostly for women.
Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born on December 9, 1883 in Dusseldorf, Germany. His Greek father was a champion gymnast and his German mother worked as a naturopath which is a primary health care professional whom specializes in therapy and self healing. As a child Joseph suffered from a variety of ailments, such as asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever (1). Joseph believed poor health came from bad posture, shallow breathing and lack of physical exercise (3). At a young age he was determined to improve his physique, along with his self esteem. Joseph became obsessed with bodybuilding, gymnastics and yoga. He was so physically fit that at age 14 he was posing for anatomy charts. His health and physical appearance had a series of exercises and breathing techniques to maintain his posture and well-being that he had fought so hard to gain.
In 1912, Joseph moved to England. His German citizenship led him to prison when Britain entered World War I. Despite the circumstances, Joseph used this time to further develop his method. During his imprisonment, which lasted for the duration of the war, he taught fitness exercises to other inmates. He rigged springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against resistance. His invention led to his later equipment designs (2).
After the war Joseph returned to Germany. Word of his success with clients manifested and he was hired by the city to train police officers in Hamburg. He also worked with dancers and movement experts. However, with economic conditions worsening in Germany, he immigrated to New York and on board the ship he met Clara, a nurse. The two married soon after their arrival in New York City.
Working in partnership with his wife, Joseph opened a gym, which he referred to as his “studio. “In the studio he taught his developing method, known as The Pilates Method. While Joe was the outspoken force behind his method, his wife Clara quietly incorporated his concepts and exercises in ways that benefited more seriously ill or injured clients (5). Breathing, proper posture and correcting physical ailments were a major focus of The Pilates Method. The Pilates Method consisted of a series of exercises which involved stretching, pulling and contracting parts of the body to strengthen muscles in the abdomen and pelvic area. Rhythmic breathing was also practiced. Majority of the exercises such as Can-Can, Corkscrew and The Seal were done on the floor; others, such as, the Cadillac, the Barrel and the Reformer involved simple machines that were hand made by Joseph Pilates. These exercises helped with the alignment of the spine. The Pilates Method was expensive and challenging which meant that devotees had to be committed. Today, in the clinical and fitness areas, the Pilates Method is very popular. (6)
Moreover, many people believe yoga and Pilates are similar because they both offer stress relief and flexibility but studies show that they have various differences. Studies show that yoga has a big following right now but they also say that with the growth of celebrity Pilates teachers, Pilates is too rising in popularity. Though Joseph Pilates studied several techniques for the body and mind, there’s no evidence that he studied yoga (7). The United Nations has declared June 21st as international yoga day. According to Shiravarma Varambally, yoga is a spiritual practice originally meant to help achieve self-realization. Akbar Husain also states that yoga helps in creating spiritual well being and ones awareness of ones existence in the world. Studies also show that yoga offers strength, physical movement, balance and endurance. Research has discovered that people whom practice yoga physically focus on certain limbs where as Pilates focuses on your entire body (8). People whom do both yoga and Pilates enjoy the flexibility and freedom that Yoga has to offer but they enjoy the ab workout that Pilates provides. However, people tend to think that Pilates is only an instantaneous fix for core strength but it has so much more to offer (7). Such as muscle toning and body control according to Jennifer Avgerinos
Patricia Johnson, certified yoga instructor and expert added that yoga is not as intense as Pilates is. “Yoga also doesn’t give muscle definition,” Mrs. Johnson stated. It is in fact, mainly used for flexibility purposes and to relax the mind and body. Mrs. Johnson has been a yoga instructor for over seven years. “It is the perfect balance for the mind body and soul,” she stated. “Pilates is way more intense!”
To add, it is often said that Pilates is just for women but that is yet another myth. Though the Pilates method was developed by a man it is not gender biased. Nevertheless, Pilates is dominated by women but that doesn’t make it more for women than men (7). More men are showing up at Pilates classes and training programs now that it has become immensely accepted into fitness.
In conclusion, doing ones’ research, self-educating and having knowledge on certain topics such diverse fitness methods goes a long way. Myths are considered myths for a reason. According to Merriam-Webster it is an unfounded or false notion. Though some may be partially true, it isn’t 100%. Joseph nearly dedicated his life’s work to restoring the health vitality of others. He also wrote several books about his method. Although he is now deceased the essence of his work continues on into the 21st century.
Bibliography
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"About Pilates – Pilates Method Alliance." About Pilates – Pilates Method Alliance. Web. 3 Oct 2018.
Cruz-Ferreira, A., Fernandes, J., Laranjo, L., & Bernardo, L. M. (2011). A systematic review of the effects of pilates method of exercise in healthy people. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 92(12), 2071-2081.
Mazzarino, M., Kerr, D., Wajswelner, H., & Morris, M. E. (2015). Pilates method for women's health: Systematic review of randomized controlled trialsdoi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.rowan.edu/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.04.005
Ogle, Marguerite. Verywell Fit, Verywellfit, www.verywellfit.com/top-myths-about-pilates-2704852.
Women's Health. “5 Common Pilates Myths.” Women's Health, Women's Health, 21 June 2018, mavendoctors.io/women/fitness/5-common-pilates-myths-wRgcoIvhLUSq6swPHIWN-g/.