Pilates at BodyWatts
101 Marlboro Road, Suite 37, Easton, Maryland

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My body can’t cheat with Pilates

About four years ago I decided to take a Pilates class one day a week as respite from resistance strength training, or so I thought. While not in ideal shape, I thought that I would be able to keep up in an intermediate level class. After all, I was in the gym several days a week with an exercise program that included strength training, cardio workouts, and stretching. I had no idea what was in store for me!

After recovering from intense soreness and stiffness, I went to a second class and then a third and then I was committed. I loved the discipline that each movement required. And whenever I thought I had something mastered, there was a way to step it up a notch in spite of the fact that there was no equipment involved other than a mat and a towel. (I did later discover rings and balls and the reformer.) To stay stable, I had to engage just the right muscles. To benefit from the elements of the program, I had to do each as precisely as possible focusing intently on the muscles involved. The right muscles, the right extent of movement, the right focus meant that I couldn’t cheat at Pilates. The result? A stronger core and more flexibility than I thought possible at my age. Now Pilates is an important addition to my exercise program of strength training, cardio workouts, and stretching.

Robin Gordon

The history of the Pilates' Method:

Joseph Pilates was born in the late 1800’s in Germany. He suffered poor health in his younger years. Though his body was weak, his mind was strong. Determined to overcome his weaknesses he studied eastern and western forms of exercise and philosophy including yoga and Zen as well as Greek and Roman exercises and styles. He called these exercises the art of contrology; the ability to control mind and muscle. Pilates believed in performing routines of controlled movements and saw no place for the jerky movements in calisthenics or performing a multitude of crunches.

While living in England at the start of WWI he was interned, and he began to teach fellow prisoners the art of contrology, now known as Pilates. These exercises are preformed with breath, control and mental concentration to increase strength and flexibility. Later in the war he worked to help rehabilitate patients and began experimenting with resistance exercises using bedsprings and other hospital items. These would later evolve to become the Cadillac and the Reformer.

When the German government required him to train their army, he immigrated to the US and met his wife, Clara, a nurse. Clara is credited for softening his approach and bringing her great sense of touch into the teaching. In 1920 they opened their first studio in New York City teaching to a core group of students. Pilates taught until his death in 1967. A small group of chosen students had studied under Clara and him and carried on his teachings.

This original group of instructors is known in the Pilates industry as the elders and their teachings are known as “Classical Pilates”.

Benefits of Pilates Exercises:

• Posture
• Flexibility
• Toning (most notably of abdominal and back)
• Strengthening
• Better Circulation
• Elongating your body
• Stress relief without impact

“In 10 lessons you will feel a difference…In 20 lessons you will see a difference…In 30 lessons you will have a whole new body” –Joseph Pilates-

Fitness Facts are presented by BodyWatts, in Marlboro Plaza, Easton. For questions about Pilates, contact Peak Pilates Mat and Reformer Instructor and BodyWatts Owner, Lorri Wilson-Clarke at 410-770-5077 or by email: lorri@bodywatts.com. Not sure if Pilates is for you? Try your FIRST PILATES CLASS FOR FREE by mentioning this article.