Pilates is much more than an exercise fad - there’s a philosophy and artistry that goes with this practice that puts studios in a league of their own. Crossman Pilates is one of them.
When taught and applied correctly, Pilates has proven itself as a safe and effective method of exercise for more than 80+ years. Pilates is practiced around the world by athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, as well as the general public.
Joseph H. Pilates, the man behind the method, developed this form of body conditioning in the 1920’s to create strength and flexibility for the entire body. It is a method designed to balance out the body, while giving it a long, and lean appearance. If one practices faithfully, the benefits are endless. You’ll notice first-hand a change in your posture, balance, coordination, and overall strength.
Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) was born in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Having rickets, asthma, and being an overly sickly child, Joe dedicated his life to becoming physically stronger. He studied body-building and gymnastics, and was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts at the age of 14. In the early 1900’s, he moved to England and earned his living by becoming a boxer, self-defense trainer, and a circus performer. It was World War I where he was interned with other Germans in prisoner camps, training inmates in fitness and exercise. It was here that the Pilates Method began to take shape.
After the war, Joseph Pilates emigrated to the United States meeting his wife Clara along the way. In New York City, the couple founded a studio where they directly taught and supervised their students, well into the 1960’s. Pilates practiced what he preached, and lived a long and healthy life. He passed away in 1967 at the age of 87.
Joe was a genius well beyond his time. Not only did he create an approach to exercise that includes over 500 exercises; but, he also engineered all of his equipment and specifications required to teach them properly.
Want to learn more?
Read this article by HARPER'S BAZAAR
