He dedicated himself to building both his body and his mind through practices which included Yoga, Zen, and ancient Roman and Greek exercises. This system of original exercises was first performed on the floor under the name ‘Contrology’ which is now referred to as ‘matwork’. His conditioning regime worked and he became an accomplished gymnast, skier, boxer and diver.

While interned in England during World War I, Pilates became a nurse. During this time, he designed equipment to aid in the rehabilitation of bedridden hospital patients. This equipment was composed of spring tensions, straps, and supports, creating exercises that complimented the matwork exercises in order to help his disabled and immobilised patients regain strength and movement. It was through these experiments that he recognised the importance of training the ‘core’ abdominal and back muscles to stabilise the torso and allow the entire body to move freely. This experimentation provided the foundation for his style of conditioning and the specialised exercise equipment associated with the Pilates method.

Considered yoga’s hipper, younger cousin, the Pilates technique involves a series of controlled movements that exercise your ‘core’: the stomach, back and buttocks. For each exercise, Pilates utilises relaxed, rhythmic breathing techniques which develop body awareness, help in recruiting the right muscles and energises the whole body. Although it shares similarities with yoga, as it improves flexibility, joint mobility and muscle strength, Pilates has more in common with weight training because it focuses on moving against resistance. The resistances are relatively low so that the exercises are more likely to develop a sleek appearance rather than a muscular physique.

The training system has a very low risk of injury because there are virtually no impact forces on the joints and bones. Consequently, it is suitable for people of a wide fitness range. The exercises can be done with a variety of aids such as mats, balls and Swiss balls.

The most important concept of Pilates is that it is performed with the ‘core stability’, in which an exercise platform is provided by a stable trunk or midsection. The results? A better posture, balance and core strength. With regular practice, Pilates can yield numerous benefits:

Create balance between strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles
Improve and change your body’s posture and alignment
Increase your flexibility and joint range of motion
Improve coordination, dynamic stability, and body awareness
Build strength and tone without bulk
Improve bone density and joint health
Release stress
Increase lung capacity and circulation
Promote injury prevention
Pilates immigrated to the United States in 1926 and opened the first Pilates studio in New York City. Over the years, dancers, actors, and athletes flocked to his studio to heal, condition and align their bodies.

According to Joseph Pilates, “You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a completely new body in 30 sessions”. Why not see this for yourself?
It’s no wonder it’s a favourite among ballet dancers and Hollywood stars like Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley.

For more information contact:
Pascale on 0772 751519 for Pilates in Kampala at Katch the Sun and Kabira Health Club Centre.

“This is the best exercise I’ve ever had! I’ve seen the most dramatic differences with my body since doing Pilates. My body is sculpted more than ever before and in a shorter period of time than any other form of exercise I’ve ever done” Pilate’s student

“Pilates works muscles that you never knew existed. It’s amazing the stretch and strength that you build from your version of core – focused training. This is the best”. Pilate’s student

Eds Note: Classes are currently not running as they are closed for the summer holidays from July 12 – September 7. Classes will resume on Monday 8 September 2008