Who was Joseph Pilates (really)?

Nature and objects as a muse for Pilates exercises

Joseph Pilates was known for studying the natural movements and movement sequences of animals and drawing inspiration from them.

His observations of animals in the zoo and his experience as a circus performer may have contributed to the naming of his exercises. Animals often move in efficient, graceful and powerful ways, which Pilates possibly saw as ideal examples of human movement.

The use of animal names for exercises such as "Seal" (seal) or "Swan Dive" (diving swan) could indicate that he wanted to emphasize the specific qualities of these animals - such as balance, agility and strength - in the corresponding exercises.

By imitating these animal movements, humans can improve their own body control.

It is also possible that the animal names help practitioners to better visualize and perform the movements by creating a visual and kinesthetic connection to the names.

The intuitive idea of how an animal moves can improve the quality of the execution of an exercise and at the same time introduce an element of lightness and play into the training.

Even today, Pilates instructors still use figurative language - for example, detaching the spine from the mat like a string of pearls when doing roll-ups or hip rolls.

The exact reasons for the naming are not fully documented, and many of the names in use today may have been introduced later by his students or other Pilates teachers.

In each case, the names reflect the connection between nature, objects, animals and human movement, which is at the heart of the Pilates method.

In 1934, Pilates published the book "Your Health", in which he explained the basic principles of balance between body and mind. This was followed in 1945 by "Return to Life Through Contrology", in which he presented 34 floor exercises designed to strengthen the reader's body.

These exercises reflect the core principles of Pilates' approach to body conditioning and involve a combination of strength, flexibility and mental control.

Joseph Pilates' 34 original exercises, which form the basis of classical Pilates training, are still taught in this exact order in some schools today. They are designed to strengthen and stretch the body holistically, with the focus on the core.

Here is a brief description of the exercises:

1. The HundredLying on your back, legs raised and arms pulsating, to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
2. The Roll-UpSlowly straighten up from the supine position and bend forward over the legs to stretch the spine.
3. The Roll-OverSwing your legs over your head and roll your spine.
4. The One Leg CircleOne leg circles while the other lies flat on the floor.
5. Rolling Back: Rolling backwards and balancing in a seated C-Shape.
6. The One Leg StretchAlternating stretching of the legs while lying down.
7. Double Leg StretchStretch and pull both legs together.
8. The Spine Stretch: Sitting, with legs and spine straight-Elongation.
9. Rocker with Open LegsRolling backwards with open legs and keeping your balance.
10. The Corkscrew: Circle your legs while lying down to mobilize the spine.
11. The Saw: In a sitting position, reach over your legs and rotate your spine.
12. The Swan-DiveChest lift from the prone position to strengthen the back.
13. The One Leg KickProne position, bend and straighten one leg.
14. The Double Leg KickBend and stretch both legs in the prone position.
15. The Neck Pull: Pulling the head while sitting, similar to rolling-Up.
16. The Scissors: Raise and lower one leg while lying down.
17. The Bicycle: Cycling in supine position.
18. The Shoulder BridgeRaise your hips and straighten one leg.
19. The Spine TwistSeated rotation of the spine with arms outstretched.
20. The Jack Knife: Raise your legs over your head and then lift into a V-Position.
21. The Side Kick: Side leg raise in lateral position.
22. The Teaser: V-Raise the seat from the supine position.
23. The Hip TwistHip circles in a seated position with legs straight.
24. SwimmingFloating movements in prone position.
25. The Leg Pull Front: Support position and raise leg.
26. The Leg PullSupine position, lift your hips and raise your leg.
27. The Side Kick KneelingLateral kick in a kneeling position.
28. The Side BendLateral stretching while standing or sitting.
29. The BoomerangRollers and legs cross in a complex sequence.
30. The SealRolling like a ball with arms crossed.
31. The CrabRolling backwards with legs crossed.
32. The Rocking: Prone position, back bends and rocking.
33. The Control BalanceBalance on your shoulders and control your legs.
34. The Push-UpPilates version of the push-up with walking movement.