The exercise we today know as Pilates mat work is the life's work of Joseph Pilates, a German-born circus performer, and boxer.
Joseph Pilates was living and working in England, where he was placed in forced internment at the outbreak of World War I. While he was in the internment camp, he started to develop the floor exercises.
As time went by, Joseph began to work on rehabilitating detainees who were suffering from injuries and diseases, helping in the relief of their pain and speeding up their recovery.
Pilates can be looked at as an invention born out of necessity. This situation has inspired Joseph Pilates to utilize items available to him at the time, like beer keg rings and bedsprings, to create resistance exercise equipment for his patients. This is how the Pilates equipmentwe use today, like the Pilates Bar and the Pilates Ring, were born.
These pieces of equipment are designed to enhance resistance, help you perform the exercises correctly, and increase the effect of the exercises. They are perfect for beginners, because they can help you learn and do Pilates exercises correctly.
Joseph Pilates was unhealthy as a child, which is why he studied many kinds of self-improvement systems and developed his work from a strong personal experience in fitness.
He drew his inspiration and aligned his approach with Zen Buddhism and Eastern practices. Joseph Pilates studied anatomy and developed himself as a wrestler, gymnast, bodybuilder, boxer, skier, and diver.
Joseph Pilates came up with, believed, and lived by principles for optimal health, which are:
A proper diet and sleep must accompany regular exercise.
You should get fresh air and sunshine daily.
You should wear loose clothing outside and embrace the sun's rays.
When nutrients are needed, always have them on hand to refuel your body.
Do not fear the cold in winter – embrace it.
Muscle fatigue can ignite poisons in the body, which is why you should not overdo it with exercise.
Sleep regularly in a quiet and dark room. Use a firm mattress and no more than one pillow.
Use baths to clean your pores! Dry brush your skin daily.
