Bring in spring by trying a new workout routine, Pilates! The month of May officially celebrates national Pilates month. This popular workout class was founded by Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany to a stay at home mother and a father who worked hard by day in the metal working industry. His father was an active gymnast in his spare time. He eventually emigrated from Germany to New York in 1926. Once Joseph Pilates settled into New York, he opened a fitness studio called Contrology, that was based on his workout method which is all about control. This new workout routine hadn’t been done before. His upbringing and background eventually is what inspired and led to Joseph creating The Joseph Pilates Method. The Joseph Pilates Method consists of six key elements. They include breathing, concentration, control, precision, flow, and centering. Pilates is a low impact workout that consists of the basic fundamentals of controlling movement, improved balance, and enhanced core strength.
The exciting part about Pilates is that it is accessible for all age groups, body types, and fitness levels. The biggest misconception about Pilates is that you need a reformer to practice which entails going to an expensive class at a studio. While going to a studio is a wonderful way to try out the reformer, Pilates can also be accessible at home. Mat Pilates is a wonderful way to incorporate stretches on a mat to increase posture, strength, resistance, and balance. Westlake Porter Public Library has many wonderful Pilates books and DVDs on display this month. They include pictures and descriptions of the different poses and movement that Mat Pilates entails. Reformer Pilates is a wonderful way to stretch your body by controlling the reformer carriage which includes several springs based on low to heavy resistance. Equipment Pilates can include various types of equipment that most Pilates studios provide. This includes a chair which can help with balance and flexibility, along with the circle ring and weights that can greatly improve strength. This year consider giving Pilates a try and join in the celebration of International Pilates Day which takes place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 to promote awareness of the exercise which offers so many wonderful health benefits.
