What is pilates?

 

Pilates is a system of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates, a German immigrant, in the early 20th century.  It develops core strength, pelvic & spinal stability, improves body awareness & balance, teaches one to use muscular strength to balance postural deviations and increases eccentric muscular strength – as a muscle lengthens – helping to develop long, lean musculature.  It is practiced on mats and different pieces of equipment that Joseph developed over the years.

Joseph called this style of exercise Contrololgy.  He felt that we should learn to use our muscles to control our movements, and not momentum or randomness.  It was later named Pilates after his death.