What is Pilates?
Pilates is a unique method of whole-body conditioning that emphasizes
strength, balance, flexibility, and improved body awareness. Pilates
provides an invigorating and energizing workout that is comprised
of a series of controlled, coordinated movements that engage the
body and the breath as well as the mind. Key components include
strengthening the deep abdominal and back muscles to support and
stabilize the skeletal system during movement. Pilates is performed
on several pieces of equipment with adjustable spring resistance
to strengthen with control and uniformly work the entire body. All
exercises emphasize the quality of movement rather than the number
of repetitions, and the focus is on moving from your center and
experiencing movement “from the inside out.”
A Pilates workout leaves you refreshed and alert, not exhausted
and drained, and it is appropriate for people of all ages and physical
abilities. Pilates sessions at The Working Body are conducted by
certified trainers, so each workout is tailored to the client’s
specific needs. Whether you are a sedentary office worker or a seasoned
tri-athlete, Pilates can improve your body’s function and
performance.
Who was Joseph
Pilates?
The Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph Hubertus
Pilates, born in Germany in 1880. Being frail and sickly as a child,
he sought ways to overcome his limitations. This search developed
into a lifelong commitment and passion for fitness and conditioning.
During his teenage years, he excelled at diving, skiing, and gymnastics.
By the age of fourteen, he was posing for anatomy charts, and this
experience inspired him to study the human body.
In 1912, Joseph Pilates left Germany to train as a boxer in England.
There he worked as a circus performer and taught self-defense to
Scotland Yard detectives. At the outbreak of World War I, he was
placed in an “enemy alien” camp, where he began teaching
fellow German nationals self-defense and body building.
He was later transferred to the Isle of Man to work as a nurse.
Here he applied his knowledge of physical conditioning to help rehabilitate
the war injured and sick internees. He started experimenting with
springs by attaching them to hospital beds. This allowed patients
to start applying movement and resistance to their muscles, which
seemed to hasten their recovery time. This experience inspired Joseph
Pilates to invent the Universal Reformer.
After the war, Joseph Pilates returned for a short while to Germany
to train the Hamburg Police force. Unhappy with the political situation
in his country, he left for America. During his voyage, he met his
wife Clara, and in 1923 they founded the Pilates Studio in New York
City.
Joseph Pilates died in 1967. His work has continued to grow and
evolve throughout the world.
Pilates Trainers
Click on the name of a trainer below to see their bio, or see all
staff bios.
Make an Appointment
- By Phone
To schedule a Pilates appointment, please call The Working Body
and talk to our receptionist. If you reach the Voice Mail, please
leave a message for Jörg Chabowski at ext. 3#
- OR -
- By E-mail or Fax
Fill out a Client Questionnaire and
e-mail or fax it back
to us. We will contact you at your convenience.
Fax # (510) 286-8104
Phone # (510) 286-8100
E-mail info@workingbody.net
