|
|
|
Flu Prevention and the Gym Member
Health officials' warning this month of a potentially harsh flu season should be a red flag to avid aerobic-bunnies and gym-jocks alike. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that the flu is transmitted when flu virus in the air is inhaled...
How To Dramatically Improve Your Fitness Results
Do you feel like you aren't making progress in the gym? Do you feel that you aren't reaching your physical goals such as lower body fat or increased muscle, even though you consistently "eat right" and get your workout in?
What if I told you...
Movement That Matters: Exercise With a Greater Purpose
You've seen the commercials Ive fallen and I cant get up! While this has been a topic of many jokes and late-night comedy skits, the reality is falling is a very real danger for many people. Too often falls can lead to broken bones,...
Three Simple Steps To Build Muscle Mass
There are 3 simple, proven steps you need to follow in order to
build muscle mass. This article will reveal all three in just a
moment.
But first, let me ask, are you sick and tired of training every
day, with little or no results to show...
Top Home Gyms Analyzed
If you are a home gym lover then I have got great news for you. We will analyze the best home gyms available and see the pros and cons
If you are looking for a top high-end home gym then look no further, Hoist V5 has it all.
Here is a list of...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph Pilates: The Man behind the Movement
Joseph Pilates : The Man behind the Movement
Joseph Pilates was born in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1880. He was a frail young boy, who suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. In order to overcome his weakened state, he studied body building, skiing, diving, and gymnastics. In time, he developed his own series of exercises.
He moved to England in 1912, and spent much of his time working as a circus performer and a boxer. Eventually, he started teaching self defense methods to a group of police detectives from Scotland Yard. In 1914, at the outset of World War I, he was interned at a camp in Lancaster as an “enemy alien”. While in the camp, he spent a great deal of his time developing his exercise techniques.
After his release, Joseph returned to Germany and began teaching his method to dancers. He decided to leave Germany when he was asked to teach his exercise methods to the German Army. In 1926, he emigrated to America and took up residence in New York. He met his wife, Clara, on the voyage. Joseph and Clara opened a fitness studio in New York City, and shared an address with the New York City Ballet.
Joseph spent the remaining years of his life operating his studio. The nature of his work in those years was more akin to a physiotherapist for dancers than an exercise instructor for the masses. He also spent a considerable amount of time designing and constructing exercise equipment for use in his programs.
Joseph Pilates was one of the first fitness instructors to advocate the mind-body connection, which consisted of both physical and mental training
to achieve the desired results. His method consists of slow, deliberate movements combined with breathing and a focus on the abdomen, lower back, and buttocks.
As quoted from his 1945 book, Return to Life with Contrology, he states that “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
Joseph Pilates passed away in 1967. The studio is still in operation today.
About the author:
Harriet Spinzer is a history student and Pilates enthusiast. When she is not consumed with her studies, she likes to stretch and stuff. When she is not tangled up in her “Reformer”, she like to write freelance articles for websites such as http://www.pilatesinsight.com– a site that offers information about pilates - http://www.pilatesinsight.com/,pilates equipment - http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-equipment.aspxand pilates chairs - http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-chairs.aspx.
|
|
|
|
|
|
