Pilates
How did Pilates come to be?
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, in his youth he suffered from many ailments such as asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. Joseph was an extremely motivated person and overcame these ailments to become an accomplished gymnast, diver and skier. When World War 1 broke out, Joseph was living in England and being of German origin he was imprisoned in an internment camp.
While in prison Joseph used any implements he could find, mainly bed springs to create exercise machines and these were the beginnings of the Pilates machines we know today. It is documented that in 1918 an influenza outbreak swept through the prison killing half the prison population, however not one person in Joseph Pilates exercise classes got sick or died.
What is Pilates?
The principles of Pilates are to incorporate the mind, body and soul through a method of breathing and global strengthening integrating the entire body. This is achieved using body weight and Pilates machines while combining breathing and performing repetitive whole-body movements. In many physiotherapists opinion it is one of the most effective methods of strengthening the entire body in a healthy balanced way with little to no chance of injury.
What is the difference between Pilates and clinical Pilates ((פילאטיס שיקומי?
Standard Pilates is the method of global strengthening for the average healthy individual. It usually involves having a Pilates instructor and each participant in the class performing the same exercises. Clinical Pilates (פילאטיס שיקומי) is exclusively instructed by physiotherapists, where by a full physical and medical assessment is completed on the patient/ participant, weaknesses, flexibility issues and goals are noted and the physiotherapist designs and prescribes a program of exercises specific for that patients/ participants needs in order to remedy the issues discovered in the assessment. Clinical Pilates allows the patient/ participant to return to optimal strength and mobility. During the class all exercises are noted and recorded to prevent injury and allow for best strength gains.
Who can benefit from clinical Pilates ((פילאטיס שיקומי?
- Anyone wanting to improve their overall health and strengthen there bodies in a safe supervised environment.
- Anyone suffering from chronic back or neck pain.
- Anyone recovering from a knee, ankle, or shoulder injury.
- Anyone recovering from orthopedic surgery.
- Anyone who suffers from balance issues.
- Anyone who requires an exercise program to treat osteoporosis or type 2 diabetes.
Have a great day,
Ryan