Did you know Joe Pilates also wrote a book called “Your Health” (1936)? On the inside cover he writes:
“PROF. PILATES’ HEALTH STUDIOS
Where flat feet, curvature of the spine, protruding stomach, stooped shoulders, hollow chest, hollow back, bow legs, and knocked-kneed conditions are cured through corrective exercises.”
CURED! He believed so much in his Contrology exercises that he also wrote:
“Truth will prevail and that is why I know that my teaching will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal.”
Amazing. It’s true. Pilates explosion is really only just begun. The health clubs are providing Pilates mat classes for “free” with the memberships and even adding on elite studios within their clubs.
But will anything ever replace the true one on one training session with a private instructor. NO. Joe Pilates did teach in some small groups, but mostly for *play* and for *fun* – we have seen film of him running through fields with the men he was “teaching.” No. The true work was done in a private one on one session where he was NOT shy about pushing here and demanding there, just to get the spine to bend. It’s all about the spine!
So listen to your teacher carefully in class, no matter if you are in the masses or watching a DVD. Would Joe be upset at this mass produced explosion of Pilates? Certainly not! It was his vision, we believe. You may even find yourself *cured* into GOOD HEALTH.
Comments are welcome!
Debbie