Pilates History and Our Program for Patients
Pilates is not new at all. Designed in Germany by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, it has come to the United States in 1926.
Joseph was born in 1880 in Moenchengladbach and developed the method from other sports such as fencing, boxing, tai chi, yoga, gymnastics and wrestling. Due to its precision he named it "contrology". During World War I Mr. Pilates worked with soldiers who were confined to their beds and created machines that assisted their recovery. Even while in British internment he continued to help his fellow soldiers. In 1926 Pilates and his wife emigrated to America and started his own studio in the same building that housed the New York Ballet. The close relationship between dance and the Pilates method was born. Joseph taught his method until the age of 86 when he died.
The goal of the Pilates method is to restore the natural muscular balance. The exercises are carried out in a very precise way in order to deactivate the unnecessary contracted skeletal muscles and strengthen the inner abdominals and back muscles. Muscles are trained for length and strength. A long and sleek muscle is less susceptible to injury and can protect the body in every day's situation. When performed regularly the body is being toned, joints are more mobile and posture is drastically improved. Better strength, stamina and body awareness is a given.
Pilates is suitable for any age and fitness level. From serious athlete to a novice to fitness this method can help you to create more comfort and a healthier body.
Marion and Melissa offer private Pilates sessions in their upstairs practice. Both have each over 20 years of physical therapy experience with intensive studies of the Pilates principles; for years they have worked with core strengthening programs with their patients and use the reformer as well as floor exercise progressions. The combination of movement education, Feldenkrais, orthopedic and manual therapy skills provides a safe and sound therapeutic based approach. It is very important not to introduce certain progressions too early to prevent injury.
Sessions are one hour long. Before using the reformer (Pilates machine), the client is being trained in awareness of neutral spine , neutral pelvis and ribcage, isolation of the deep abdominal muscles and breath work. Without the ability to maintain "neutral" alignment while contracting the abdominals, the client is not introduced to the reformer yet. A progressive series of floor exercises is taught that the client can safely perform at home.
Benefits of Pilates based exercise:
- become longer, leaner and stronger
- improve your posture, whatever age and fitness level
- learn safe and gentle exercise that help alleviate pain
- improve balance
- assist your recovery from back pain, sciatica and repetitive strain injury in strengthen your core muscles and lengthen the spine
Please call 415-924-6226 Ext. 36 for more information.
