Thrive not survive
Mr Pilates and Us
There’s a link between Joseph Pilates and virtually everyone that I’ve taught Pilates to. Please allow me to explain.
Joseph was born near Düsseldorf, Germany in 1883. Not much is known about his early life, but he appears to have been a frail child, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He refused to allow these conditions to define him though. He wanted to move more, become stronger and healthier. He wanted to thrive. In order to achieve this, he borrowed movements and methods from Yoga, Martial Arts, Dance, Bodybuilding, Gymnastics and Skiing. From these influences, he built his own method. He was so impressed with the results it gave to his own body, that he decided to share what he’d learnt with the world.
Pilates was not called ‘Pilates’ during Joseph’s life. He called it ‘Contrology’. In his book ‘Return to life through Contrology’, first published in 1945, he states:
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”
So, what's the link between Mr P and Us? In my experience of teaching Pilates for a number years, I believe that there are several links:
People who come to Pilates refuse to let their limitations define them, just like Joseph
Also, they are inquisitive and open to trying new things in the pursuit of better movement and health
Their overall goal is to improve everyday life. Be that being able to play with their grandchildren on the floor right through to completing Ironman triathlons. They want to thrive and not simply survive. Pilates helps them do that
Thankfully though, a couple of things are different these days. Unlike Joseph, we tend not to do Pilates in our pants. We also avoid some of the crazier contortion like movements that Joseph practised (see below).
Life’s better when you thrive.
