Pilates Classes: A History

The word Pilates was a foreign one to my tongue until I was about 15. And even at that age I was convinced that Pilates was a type of stress ball squeezing fitness, not the modern fitness craze that exists today. It took me a long time to realise the benefits and the involvements in Pilates exercises and Pilates classes. Pilates classes throughout Ireland are quite simple to come by in this day and age. The popularity of the activity has grown in Ireland over the last ten years and has given great fitness satisfaction to many people both nationally and internationally.

The Pilates exercise regime was created and developed by Joseph Pilates over ninety years ago, German born; he developed the Pilates regime in the 1920’s. He himself had a background in yoga, Zen meditation, and also various martial arts. He mixed these together in a unique sequence of movements designed to develop your body and mind. His experiences in World War one helped him to create the fitness regime to keep his body toned and in good health. In 1926 he and his wife Clara opened up a studio near the New York City Ballet. It became a fashion among dancers, using it to tone their bodies and extend their muscles. He published a book, in 1945, called ‘Return to Life through Contrology’.

However it is true that Pilates did not become popular with the general public until the early 1990’s.The gentler movements of Pilates became a more popular pastime for the baby boomer generation in preference to high energy exercises such as tap dance and aerobics. The gentle movements of Pilates seem to fit into the schedules of this generation.

The exercise regime that Pilates involves benefits various different parts of your body. It has the benefit of improving your strength, flexibility and balance, by exercising all parts of your body in a gradual slow method. It is a preferential exercise regime for those that do not want to add large muscle growth to their bodies. It’s also supposed to enhance your mind through controlled muscle awareness. The benefits seem to benefit anyone who has an active lifestyle and needs a controlled exercise regime. It is designed to reduce stress, relieve tension in your body and in this way boost your energy.

Pilates classes in Ennis may be booked by calling Lizzie Turvey on 087 2757703. Lizzie is a qualified Pilates instructor with the Clare Training and Resource Centre in Clonroad, Ennis. They have a wide variety of Pilates classes specific to your needs, there is a great deal of choice, however a drawback is you need to give a €20 deposit to secure your place. Alternatively you may be interested in booking a place with Fight Sports Clare, who offer Pilates classes with John, available for call on 086 0731109. Fight Sports Clare do not offer as much choice as the CTRC but there is no mention of a €20 deposit. If you are living in Tralee, Pilates classes can be found in Tralee Physiotherapy Clinic, the classes are given by STOTT Pilates and are, on average €16 per lesson.

I am an experienced journalistic writer and editor.