What exactly is Pilates?

Pilates originally named "CONTROLOGY is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.  Through Contrology, you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then, through proper REPITITION of its exercises, you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with your subconscious activities." - Joseph Pilates

The Pilates method offers more than just exercise.  The philosophy of Joseph Pilates encompasses total wellness, providing an outline for healthy living- not only the focus on the physical aspects.  In his books, "Your Health" (1934) and "Return to Life" (1945) Pilates shares his holistic approach which promoted a lifestyle of corrective exercise, mental discipline, proper nutrition, rest, sunshine and positive thinking.

Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever as a child.  He studied bodybuilding, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, and animal movement to overcome the effects of his illness.

Pilates emphasized 

-breath

-control

-concentration

-precision

-flow

-centering (what we now call CORE)