Sports + Orthopedic Leaders : Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

German-born Joseph H. Pilates had a lifelong quest for creating a perfectly functioning body. He was asthmatic as a child, which motivated him to improve his strength and physique throughout his life. His study of yoga and the martial arts and his work with physicians and his wife Clara (a nurse) led to the development of his system of physical and mental conditioning. While in British internment camp during World War I, Pilates rigged a hospital bed with springs so that patients could begin their recovery while still bedridden. That idea evolved into the Cadillac, one of the main components of what was to become a whole method of exercise. In the 1920s Pilates brought his unique method of conditioning to the United States. Shortly after Joseph and Clara arrived in New York, Joe set up an exercise studio on 8th Avenue. By the early 1960s, the Pilates could count among their clients many New York dancers and actors. Today, Pilates-based conditioning is used by people from all walks of life, from the elite athlete to the new exerciser.

Most Pilates exercises are performed on the Universal Reformer, a unique exercise apparatus with a sliding carriage, pulleys and variable spring resistance. The Reformer aligns and supports the back and neck and facilitates non-impact and non-weightbearing exercise for injury rehabilitation. Other equipment includes the Cadillac, the Chair, and the Barrel. Joseph Pilates also developed a full series of mat exercises that require no special equipment.

Pilates training can improve one’s strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and posture. While other methods of strength training work each muscle group in isolation, Pilates exercises work the whole body at once. Pilates training begins by strengthening the deep abdominal and back muscles to support the spine in proper posture. The client then learns to move the extremities from this strong center. The exercises help to promote long, lean musculature by strengthening muscles through their full range of motion, developing strength without compromising flexibility. Pilates exercises also help to rebalance the joints by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones.

Everyone can benefit from Pilates training. Athletes benefit by refining their movement patterns, learning to function more efficiently. By maintaining flexibility and joint balance, active individuals are able to reduce their chances of injury. Pregnant women and those with injuries with chronic neck and back pain can benefit from the gentle, non-impact nature of the exercises. Pilates also promotes relaxation and stress reduction with its emphasis on breathing and flowing movements.