A Brief History of Pilates

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates during WW1 to help with the rehabilitation of injured veterans.  Over time, he developed a collection of precise movements that emphasized the control & strength required to support & even progress the rehabilitation efforts of the injured soldiers through stretching, strengthening & stabilizing key muscle groups.

The original piece of equipment Joseph Pilates invented is known today as the Cadillac.  Over time, he developed this table to resemble a single four-post bed with springs, wooden bars and hanging trapezes to challenge even the most fit.

Concentration is absolutely required in order to work your arms, legs, trunk and entire body against the various spring tensions and positions this piece of equipment affords.

Eventually a full complement of equipment and accessories was designed by Pilates’, including the Reformer, both the High & Low Chairs, the Spinal Corrector, & the Ladder Barrel.  Yet 75 percent of the Pilates repertoire is performed on the Reformer and Mat, while the additional pieces are used for creating a balanced workout and addressing the individual needs of a student.  

The low Chair was invented as a result of Joseph Pilates’ observations of Chinese acrobatics upon a “box”.  This piece of equipment provides pure function & requires total strength.  He had strong beliefs about how individuals should sleep and sit, and designed his furniture accordingly.  He actually considered modern chairs as compromising to optimal internal functioning and posture.  The Wunda Chair (the Peak Pilates brand) is often used for individual student needs to challenge both balance and strength.

Also utilized for individual needs, the Spinal Corrector provides the means in which to stretch, align & strengthen the spine.  It relieves stiff or cranky shoulders and hips as well as relieves common backaches and other such problems that plagues most of the population today.

The Magic Circle was designed to work the entire body as well as to enhance &/or advance Classical Pilates exercises.  Additionally, it adds variety & challenge, & provides innumerous modifications to existing exercises thus meeting the needs of most individuals.

Pilates Apparatus was also designed to help accelerate the process of stretching & strengthening, increasing body alignment & the core strength started with Mat work.  The best-known and most popular piece today, the Reformer, was originally called the Universal Reformer, aptly named for “universally reforming the body."  Joseph believed that beginning an exercise regime in the horizontal plane was important when relieving stress and strain in the joints, & also to align the body prior to adding the more strenuous gravitational forces of being vertical.

Many different types of equipment are found inside the Lahiri Pilates studio, like Magic Circles, Weighted Bars & Balls, Balance Balls, hand weights, straps, bands & props of all kinds.  However, four main pieces of equipment or “apparatus” will be used during your private sessions: the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, & the Spinal Corrector.

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