Pilates is a great form of exercise which helps to improve postural alignment, core strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and also has great benefits towards general wellbeing. It is therefore not only beneficial for people with joint aches and pains but a fantastic way to keep the body and mind healthy for everyone.
Pilates was initially devised by Joseph Pilates who was born in Dusseldorf in the late 1800s. He was a sickly. frail child who suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. He experimented with different approaches to help him overcome his difficulties and took the most effective features from such activities as yoga, gymnastics, skiing, self defence, dance and weight lifting to work out a system which had the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. He then began to teach these challenging techniques to others. He emigrated to America in 1926 where he set up a studio in New York. Originally his clients were boxers but it soon attracted top ballet dancers, gymnasts and athletes all anxious to learn about pilates.
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Body Control Pilates was founded in 1996 by Lynn Robinson. She broke down the challenging exercises so that all, irrespective of age or fitness can gain positive benefits from practicing the exercises with the aim to progress everyone at their own pace.
