The Pilates method of Body Conditioning was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, he named the system Contrology. Contrology was developed as a system of movement and exercises to combat the modern lifestyle that he saw was increasingly causing people to lose touch with the body’s innate health. This includes siting too long, over use of the automobile and consumption of processed food.
The Contrology system was developed to be done on a padded mat and the specialized equipment Joseph Pilates invented using springs for resistance and assistance. The Pilates apparatus provides both a supportive and challenging environment making the system adaptable to meet the needs of a varied population including the injured individual as well as the elite athlete.
The over 500 exercises in the system work to strengthen lengthen and tone the entire body. The movements rely on a mind body connection to be most effective. Flowing, precise movement coordinated with breath is used to energize and challenge the body and mind. As Joseph Pilates once wrote, Pilates is “the complete coordination of mind, body and spirit!”.
“Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit”. Joseph Pilates
Everyone can benefit from Pilates! Christmas has taught Pilates to many different people over the years from professional ballet dancers to new moms to retirees struggling with mobility. Pilates is a great next step after physical therapy often and it is also a tool for training athletes to improve form and function. Christmas started Pilates at age 14 and has taught mat work to her 8 year old son, Joseph Pilates was not the only one to be practicing into his 80s!