Pilates

Foundation

Developed in the 1920′s by legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of controlled movements that engage both your body and your mind. It is a discipline that encompasses both Western and Eastern philosophies and forms the foundation of our work here. Susan VanCadsand, owner and program director has developed her own regime which has evolved through her life experience in dance, Kinesiology and Pilates. As an educator, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge to promote physical harmony and balance for people of all ages.

History of the Pilates Method

Joseph and Clara Pilates were German immigrants who arrived in New York City in 1926. Joe Pilates arrived in America with a personal history as a gymnast and a boxer. During WWI, he was placed under forced internment with other German nationals in Lancaster, England. He taught fellow camp members the exercises and concepts he had developed through many years of self-study in Zen, yoga, as well as ancient Greek and Roman physical regimes. It was at this time he conceived the mat work or exercises he devised on the floor and originally called Contrology. Upon transfer to another camp, he acted as nurse/caretaker to internees suffering from wartime disease and physical injury. With his creative approach to living, he devised equipment to support the recovery of his patients. Springs from beds were rigged to create spring resistance and movement for the bedridden. The Pilates equipment today, is simply an evolution of Joe’s earlier ideas. Both challenging and supporting the body as it learns to become more efficient, the equipment is designed to compliment the mat work. He taught that the exercises should be done slowly and smoothly to allow the whole body to be engaged.

Clara was a trained nurse and she incorporated Joe’s concepts into her work with seriously ill patients. Together their techniques spawned a dedicated lineage of teachers. Clara’s contribution was instrumental in Pilates being recognized as a movement based regime that can be tailored to any level of fitness and of health. They taught that patience and persistence are vital qualities to cultivate in the pursuit of whole body wellness and most certainly a worthwhile endeavor.

Today, there are several different schools of technique that incorporate the basic essential principles of Pilates. People who have studied directly with Joe and/or Clara are referred to as the elders and these elders have spawned 2nd and 3rd generation teachers who have added their own talents and expertise. It is our mandate at Victoria Pilates that if the intention of the exercise is clear then modifications are possible. We endeavor to explore in depth the variations, the skills and the knowledge that allow Pilates to be used by everyone, regardless of age or physical limitations.

For more information on the Pilates Method visit:
www.pilatesmethodalliance.org
www.canadianpilatesassoc.com