|  In
the early 1900s, German athlete Joseph Pilates
began experimenting with an exercise system that would
assist him in his recovery from severe asthma.
He designed a series of exercises to balance the body,
improve ease of motion and promote mental and physical
harmony. While working as a nurse, he tried to help
WW1 hospital patients recovering from their injuries
by attaching springs to their beds, enabling them to
start exercising their arms and legs even before they
could walk.
The ‘Reformer’ and other types of apparatus
used in modern Pilates studios are
all based on the principles of exercise developed by
Joseph Pilates all those years ago. He came to the United
Sates in 1920s and started his own studio with equipment
he designed. He taught his system to dancers and also
used it to rehabilitate people with injuries and disabilities.
Once the secret of dancers
and athletes, the Pilates method is
now gaining rapid popularity among the fitness-seeking
public. One of the most important benefits of Pilates
exercise is the effect on the mind/body connection.
The exercises are gentle and peaceful, requiring full
concentration, they work from the inside out to develop
deep core strength, flexibility and balance
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