It seems that one of the purposes of modern society is to increase leisure time and to reduce physical activity as much as possible. Physical exercise –such as walking or housework-, which in another time used to be an integral part of life, was substituted by the use of machinery and cars.
Nor we walk nor we carry out any work that means an outstanding physical activity, so we find ourselves compelled to exercise our bodies during our leisure time. We frequently think that the relaxation that comes out of our time to rest frees us from the tensions that are results of our demanding lives, erasing those tensions from our minds and our bodies.
Nevertheless, what we usually understand by “resting” –being laying down or watching television-, doesn’t actually contribute to any real relaxation, nor to the mind nor to the body. Origin of the Pilates Method. Joseph H. Pilates, creator of this method, initially called it “Contrology”, although nowadays it’s worldwide known by his last name. Pilates defined Contrology as the complete coordination of mind, body and spirit; in this sense differs from all other modern forms of physical exercise, such as aerobics, for example, given the totally holistic approach to the physic form.
Joseph Pilates. The creator of the Pilates Method was born in 1880 in Germany. During his childhood he suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fevers, and these diseases were precisely what triggered him to discover a method to defeat them. In order to obtain physical strength he focused on sports, becoming a great gymnast and a remarkable skier, outstanding as well in boxing and wrestling. At the same time, he was passionately interested in human physiology, especially the muscular system. He also studied yoga and other oriental disciplines.
Nowadays, the Pilates Method is worldwide known and is practiced by people in all fields. The fact is that the philosophy of Pilates has something to offer to every individual, regardless of their age or physical capacity; but most of all, that it is very appropriate for those who wish to accomplish strength and a good muscle tone without developing a large musculature.
The Pilates philosophy. The fact that many of the elements of modern civilization are harmful for the physical body is a fundamental piece in the Pilates philosophy. Joseph Pilates believed that the modern lifestyle prompts illnesses related to stress. He believed that stress impacts on people to such an extent that there would be at least one member in each family who suffers from nervous tension.
To eliminate the effects of stress, Pilates believed that a person needs to have available a reserve of energy that allows them to participate in different recreational activities, in touch with nature, if possible.
To respond in a natural manner to life and to the changes and tensions that this one is involved with, Pilates noticed that it is necessary to be in good physical and mental shape. Stress and traumas have much less possibilities to affect those who are physically and mentally strong and who know what to do to soothe the negative effects of stressful facts.
The essence of the Pilates method. What makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise is, in first place, its holistic approach and its training, that combines mind and body, in order to reach correct posture alignment. Pilates always takes into account the body in its totality instead of focusing on the zone or the zones in trouble. When practicing Pilates it is important to always have in mind that the process is more significant than the result, the goal is not to have a culturally acceptable shape but a naturally aligned one.
Key elements to the Pilates method. To stretch short muscles and strengthen the weak ones. To improve the quality of movement. To focus on the basic muscles involved with posture in order to stabilise the body. To work towards locating breathing correctly. To controle even minor movements. To grasp and improve the mechanic of the body. To relax the mind.
In the gallery we present below, you can see pictures and comments on the origin of the method of Joseph H. Pilates. Click on the small pictures to view similar larger. Thank you.
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