PILATES

by Toni Lee

for UPSCALE Magazine

617 word count

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Joseph Pilates grew up a frail child in Germany, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He entered the medical field and studied body building, diving, skiing and gymnastics in order to overcome his disorders, build strength, stamina, coordination and physical fitness. He developed a system called Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-tees), also called Contrology, taking its name from Joseph Pilates 1945 book of exercises "Return to Life Through Contrology". In 1912, he moved to England and worked as a circus performer, boxer, nurse, and self defense trainer for detectives. After World War I, he returned to Germany and taught fitness to the German Army. 

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In 1926 he met his wife Clara enroute to America. They opened a studio in New York City, taught physical training, and attracted the attention of dance greats including Martha Graham and George Ballanchine. Thirty four specific exercises performed on a mat or machinery comprised the original program with emphasis on mind, spirit and body coordination, a novel idea for the time. He continued this work until his death in 1967.

Today, Pilates encompasses more than 500 movements and is exceptional for conditioning, toning, flexibility, muscular balance and abdominal strengthening. Movements are executed on mats and an array of machines that look like something from a medieval torture chamber with equally intimidating names like the "reformer", "arc barrel", "spine corrector", or "high chair". However, those who practice Pilates, swear by it. They claim straighter postures, longer torsos, limber limbs, greater flexibility and thinner waists. The key is Pilates' focus on controlling abdominal and lower back strength, termed by practitioners as the "powerhouse".

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Most exercises are calm, deliberate and intense. The six basic mat movements focus on the powerhouse and spinal articulation, focusing on few repetitions with high concentration. You feel intense results the next day if done correctly. One movement, the "hundreds" executed on your back, calls for a simultaneous head and leg lift with hands that wave up and down quickly, in ten repetitions of tens. One machine movement consists of elongated stretches with hands holding onto a bar on the reformer and the lower body, knees down, sliding along a movable mat on the base of the machine. Incredible results for little work.

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At The Pilates Studio® at the Atlanta Ballet in Atlanta, Director Penelope Wyer suggests that beginners and those seeking discipline attend classes taught by certified professionals. "Fine tuning and proper positioning are inherent in Pilates. Even I need guidance from a coach to stay on target. Some people may be able to execute Pilates at home on their own machines, with periodic monitoring." The "reformer" costs about $3,000.00, making professional classes attractive. QVC shopping channel featured a home version of the machine called the "performer", for about $350.00. However given the nature of the routines, individual or group classes seem optimum .

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On Fridays, Sandra Baccus, who operates a Consultative Mental Health business along with husband Dr. Lloyd Baccus attends a private class followed by a group session at Wyer's studio. She is part of a growing number of African Americans who's discovered the benefits of this intense workout. "I can't wait to come to class and am disappointed when time doesn't permit. Its changed the shape of my body quickly, more than anything else I've tried." Her comments echo other mat class members interviewed.

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Fifty minute, individual, duet, trio or group classes range from beginning, intermediate and advanced in difficulty . Prices at this Roswell Road studio in Atlanta are $100.00 for a group/mat series of 10 classes, to $250.00 for 5 private classes, an average cost. Dress in tights, tee shirt, dancing apparel, appropriate gym clothing and socks only. For a list of licensed instructors call 1-800-4-PILATES.

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