Know the origin of pilates and its benefits

The creator of pilates, Joseph Hubertus Pilates, created a system of exercises believing in the possibility of complete harmony between body, mind and spirit. He said: “The basis of the construction of the method of physical conditioning is a body trained and actively controlled through the mind”.

Who wasJoseph Pilates?

Owner of an enviable physique and health, Joseph Pilates lived to be 84 years old and said he never had a headache or cold. He was self-taught and deepened his research into human movement. He claimed that he had observed, studied and understood the anatomy and movement of every joint in his body.

Joseph Pilates was born in Müchen-Glebach, a small village near Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1883. From an early age, he began to practice physical exercises and, at the age of 14, he was a model for anatomy posters due to the defined and balanced musculature he had developed with the physical work. He later became an accomplished diver, skier, gymnast and boxer.

first jobs

At the time of World War II, Joseph Pilates expanded and refined his ideas about health and health. physical conditioning. He worked as a volunteer at the prison camp hospital. On that occasion, he realized that he needed great physical effort to move injured or even amputated patients in their beds. So, he attached springs and leather straps to hospital beds and these adaptations were the beginning of the development of the equipment we still use today.

Joseph Pilates’ work was recognized at the time mainly by the dance community. In 1934, he wrote and published his first book, Your Health, in which he presents his beliefs and philosophy. In 1945, he wrote his second book, Return to Life Through Contrology, in which he demonstrates 34 of his original exercises.

pilates method

The pilates method has six well-defined and interdependent principles that must be applied during the execution of exercises: center, concentration, control, fluidity of movements, precision and breathing. It is divided into basic, intermediate, advanced and super advanced levels. The exercises are performed both in the mat as in equipment.

pilates features

Characteristics of the pilates method are: quality of movement, respect for joint limits, constant application of the six basic principles, not reaching fatigue and a high degree of adaptability. The execution of the exercises has few repetitions, preventing the practitioner from automating the movements, losing concentration and, consequently, quality.

multiple benefits

The benefits obtained from the practice are many, including enrichment of body awareness, development of muscle strengthrestructuring of dynamic posture, restoration of the natural fluidity of movement, performance of efficient movements, improvement of breathing capacity, flexibility, coordination, proprioception, self-confidence and balance.

By Eco Editorial, in partnership with Cristina Abrami

Founder and technical director of CGPA Pilates®, Cristina Abrami has a degree in Physical Education from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has the international certification of Certified Pilates Teacher and is the founder and vice-president of ABRAPI – Brazilian Alliance of Pilates.