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Joseph H. Pilates and The Pilates Method

When Joseph H. Pilates came to America in the early 20th century, he brought with him a unique approach to training the body and mind. At a time when formal methods of exercise training were at their most rudimentary, Pilates' revolutionary ideas defined what it meant to be fit. His genius still inspires us today. That current fitness trends continue to borrow from his techniques is a tribute to the timelessness of his method.

Plagued by serious childhood illnesses, Joseph Pilates struggled to overcome his health problems by developing a strong physical and mental discipline he named "Contrology". It became his life's work and he continued to evolve his techniques, develop hundreds of exercises and design ingenious equipment to strengthen the body's' powerhouse (the band of muscles that wrap around the body just below the waist) until his death in 1967.

His method improves strength, balance and flexibility though the coordination of the breath, precision and flowing movement. Practiced and perfected on equipment based on Mr. Pilates own design specifications, this brilliant system encourages the body to work deeply and yet naturally. The technique is based on remaining in the "box" or the frame of the body, giving a sense of total containment. Each exercise is executed with the three concepts that are at the very heart of the Pilates method: stretch, strength and control. Simple to understand, challenging to master.

Joseph Pilates said that by practicing the exercises he developed and arranged in a specific order, would be equivalent to giving you an internal shower. The body's blood would flow with renewed vigor as the direct result of faithfully performing the Contrology exercises.

He further stated that by practicing his method, one would attain the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit.

Links To Information About The Pilates Method

DVD/Video
Romana's Pilates - Power House Mat Work by Romana Kryzanowska	Romana's Pilates - Optimum Weight by Romana Kryzanowska
Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout by Romana Kryzanowska	Romana's Pilates - Introduction to Pilates Matwork by Romana Kryzanowska
Classical Pilates Technique - Complete Mat Workout Series by Classical Pilates Inc	Classical Pilates Technique - Complete Universal Reformer Series by Classical Pilates Inc.
Recommended Books
The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler	Pilates: Body in Motion by Alycea Ungaro
Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates	Anatomy of Pilates by The Physicalmind Institute www.themethodpilates.com
Pilates Equipment
Gratz Industries, Inc. http://www.pilates-gratz.com