The History Of Pilates And How The Reformer Came To Be

Pilates is a low impact system of exercise that was designed and developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. This form of exercise has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is now a fully featured component of many fitness plans. 

It uses resistance and body weight to help the body move and strengthen. When done properly, it can lead to improved posture, flexibility, balance and strength.  

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. As a child he suffered from several illnesses, such as asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. This helped him to understand the importance of physical fitness and health. As he grew older he studied different forms of exercise, including yoga and martial arts. He wanted to create a system that would be comprehensive and comprehensive, something that could help heal and strengthen the body.  

In 1912, during World War I, Joseph developed his own system and technique for physical wellbeing. This original system was called Contrology and helped the soldiers regain their strength and mobility after being injured in battle. After the war Joseph went to England where he became the physical trainer for the officers of the Royal Ballet and the New York City Ballet. This is where he started to introduce the Contrology system and technique to many people.   

The idea of this system then evolved into Pilates as it is today.

It consists of six main principles, which are: 

1. concentration, 
2. centering, 
3. control, 
4. flow, 
5. breath 
6. precision. 

Each principle informs the exercises and the moves. Joseph constructed equipment to help people do the exercise with more ease, for example the Reformer.  

The Reformer is a piece of equipment dedicated to strengthening the foundation of the Pilates core. It was designed to create a grounding system which could support balance and alignment. The Reformer consists of a carriagelike frame, pulleys, cords, and a platform. 

It is used to add more resistance to the exercises so the muscles can be challenged. Many variations of the Reformer can be found today, such as the Cadillac and Wunda Chair.   

In the recent years Pilates has been adapted and modified to fit into every lifestyle and meet all the requirements. It has grown to encompass a whole industry and with it has come different types of reformers, classes, teachers and formats.   

Today Pilates can be found througout the world in many different forms and shapes. Every day more people get to know and enjoy the benefits of this unique type of exercise.

Pilates has evolved from Joseph Pilates’ vision of creating a holistic exercise routine to an industry of its own, and with that a transformation of the Reformer from a revolutionary tool to an absolute must have.

If you are interested in getting started with Pilates with us please see how you can start over here 

Request a callback/more information

Want to talk to us or have us send you more info? - pop your details in and we will call you back or send you the info you need.