After all, Joesph Pilates was a man.
His exercise method has it foundations in Greco Roman wrestling, "German Gymnastic", Body Building and Yoga. Think : those olympic guys who do incredible feats and make it look incredibly easy.
Folklore tells us that Pilates developed his method of "Contrology" as a personal rehab practice for his own young body, which suffered from the effects of rickets and asthma. So there's Joe, doing his exercises daily, and eventually developing the strength and abilities to become a circus performer. This is all from doing a series of exercises, without performance enhancing drugs. By his own strength and determination, he makes it to the Big Top.
Pilates originally taught his method to men, who like himself were interred in British camps during World War I. He was a Personal Trainer before the term was ever coined. Think: sweaty guys working out at the gym. Instead of "pumping iron", they're doing a controlled form of exercise, using the body's own weight as resistance. During this time, Joe adapted his method to help rehabilitate the injured. Folklore again tells us that Joe created his first machine using hospital bed and matress springs. He called his invention a "bednasium". That guy was a genius.
By combining core stabilization work and exercises that strengthen the body's major joints in all ranges of motion, Pilates is an exercise method that any man should consider doing.
Today Pilates is used by top professional athletes to enhance their performance. From Golfers to Ball Players, the method can be adapted to meet the requirements of a particular sport.
Pilates is also practiced by men who suffer from low back pain/strain and want to get their lives back (no pun intended).
And just look at the guy. That's him at age 77, with one of his inventions. (Of course he's holding a cigar in his left hand but we won't go there). Wouldn't you want to have health and vigor at age 77?
So if you're thinking: "I could never do that" or "Pilates is a bunch of women lying on the floor writhing about" or "what are those machines used for ?", I encourage you to explore Pilates for yourself. Pick a place where the instructors are certified and knowledgable, and take a lesson or two.
And think of Joe when you are practicing your breathing or doing your 100's. His exercises worked for him. They'll work for you.
For more information about a really great Pilates studio that teaches men and women of all abilities, visit http://www.pilatestutor.com/
1 comment:
Bravo, MJ! Loved your first post. Especially noting the cigar, which I didn't really notice until I looked more closely at the picture . . . Pilates is for everyone, and apparently you can keep some of your vices and live long and prosper!
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