Why Pilates?
Happy Place Pilates and Wellness, we believe Pilates is more than just a workout—it's a way to live your best life.
We want to build a community where you feel comfortable to grow strong and feel good.
Who was Joseph Pilates?
“‘A man is as young as his spinal column.’”
“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”
Joseph Pilates, a celebrated German physical trainer, is known for creating the Pilates exercise method. He was born on December 9, 1883, in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Pilates was a frail child who had asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. However, he was determined to overcome his health challenges and focused on becoming physically strong and healthy by exploring various forms of exercise, such as gymnastics, bodybuilding, yoga, and martial arts.
While interned in England during World War I due to his German nationality, Pilates improved his exercise methods. He utilized bed springs to develop resistance training for patients confined to bed. This development later led to the creation of his distinctive exercise apparatuses, which continue to be used in Pilates studios today.
In the 1920s, Pilates relocated to the United States and established a fitness studio in New York City with his wife, Clara. Originally named "Contrology," his method stressed the significance of the mind-body connection, core strength, flexibility, and controlled movements.
The approach gained rapid popularity, particularly among dancers and athletes, due to its effectiveness in enhancing posture, balance, and overall physical health.
The Underlying Philosophy of Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates believed in the essential role of physical fitness for a healthy life. His holistic approach to exercise focuses on breathing, concentration, and precision, and it continues to be popular worldwide. Although Joseph Pilates passed away in 1967, his legacy lives on through practitioners and instructors.
These were the three underlying principles of Joseph Pilates.
He stressed the importance of precise and controlled movement to engage muscles and prevent injury properly.
Deep and intentional breathing increases oxygen flow, enhances circulation, and supports movement.
Promotion of a strong mind-body connection, emphasizing mental focus to perform exercises with proper form and alignment. begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
