Peak Performance Pilates

Pilates is an exercise system that was originally developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as a rehabilitative system called “Contrology”. It consisted of 34 mat exercises designed to strengthen the body from the core (often called the “Powerhouse”) outward. During WW1, Joseph Pilates was interned as a German “enemy alien” on the Isle of Man where he taught his exercise routines to fellow inmates. Lacking equipment during this time, he developed resistance-based exercises using bed springs from the camp’s infirmary, laying the groundwork for apparatuses such as the Reformer and Cadillac.

Joseph and his wife Clara opened the first Pilates studio in 1926 in New York City on Eighth Avenue where it became very popular among dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine. After his death in 1967, Joseph’s students continued to teach and modify his techniques, leading to modern variations.

Today, Pilates has evolved into a popular form of strength and mobility training that has kept its rehabilitation and injury prevention roots. Stott Pilates, one of the modern variations, incorporates modern biomechanics, exercise science, and physiology to improve posture and train the body to move correctly without pain or risk of injury from skeletal or muscular imbalance. Whether your Pilates practice is based in a Classical or Contemporary style, it remains an excellent system for gaining strength and mobility, and reducing or eliminating chronic pain.