“ I have done many different
types of workouts up until I tried Pilates eight
months ago. This workout has changed not only
my body for the better, but also my mind, body,
and spirit. I will continue to do it for the rest
of my life.”
- Danielle, 33
I’ve been with the studio
for almost a year now. The core strength I’ve
gained from Pilates has given me noticeable improvement
in my skiing ability. Cindy and Stephanie provide
focused, personalized exercise in a nurturing
environment.”
- Amy, 31
WHAT IS
PILATES?
PILATES IS FOR EVERYONE!
The Pilates Method is one of the most successful
physical conditioning/rehabilitative exercise
programs since its conception
by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. By focusing on
deep core strengthening and stretching, Pilates
develops better control,
balance and coordination of movement. Individuals,
dancers and athletes worldwide use this method
of exercise to
enhance their health and fitness goals.
The exercises are
based on smooth, "natural movements",
to restore the body to true balance and
ease of movement.
One can start Pilates at any age and continue
doing it for the rest of their life.
JOSEPH H. PILATES Founder
of the Pilates Method of Exercise
Joe
was born in Munchen-Glebach, a small town
near Dusseldorf Germany in 1880. He was a
very sickly child suffering from asthma, rickets
and rheumatic fever. He was taunted by other
children and was unable to defend himself,
which inspired his journey to fitness and
health. Joseph spent hours in the woods studying
the move - ment of animals and memorizing
an anatomy book his physician had given him.
By the age of 14, he was modeling for anatomy
charts and continued developing his physical
fitness through boxing, skiing, diving and
gymnastics.
In 1914 after WWI broke out, he was interned
in an "enemy alien camp" in Lancaster.
It was here that he began to develop the Pilates
Method of Exercise known then as Contrology.
He was then transferred to another camp in
The Isle of Man. While working here as a nurse,
he developed his exercise equipment using
bed springs and other apparatus.
In 1925, he came
to the United States and while on the
ship he met his wife, Clara. Upon arriving
in New York City, they opened a studio
at 939 8th Avenue. Famous choreographers
and dancers studied with Joe for their
training and rehab work (George Balanchine,
Jerome Robbins, Martha Graham). Additionally,
many movie stars studied with him as
well (Vivien Leigh, Sir Lawrence Olivier,
Katherine Hepburn).
In January 1966, there was a fire in
his building. Joe returned to his studio
to fight the fire, but fell through
the burnt out floorboards hanging for
some time until rescued by firefighters.
He later died in October 1967, at the
age of 87, due to complications attributed
to this incident. Clara continued to
run the studio for the next 10 years
until her death in 1976. A longtime
teacher and student, Romana Kryzanowska,
took over the business and dedicated
her life to teaching Joe's work.
Pilates
Movement for Life • 5709 Olde Wadsworth
Blvd. • Arvada, CO 80002 • 303-422-3363
