In 1945 Joseph Pilates wrote and published 'Return to Life Through Contrology', detailing 34 exercises, poses and various instructions that he believed were fundamental to his mind and body exercise method. These exercises are now at the core of the Pilates mat work classes that are available around the world although Joe himself very rarely focused on pure mat work classes.
Various students who trained with Pilates testify to the fact that their sessions with him were spent on the various pieces of equipment he created and that mat work was just a small part of each class. These students, who are now referred to as 'Pilates Elders' developed Joseph Pilates techniques and equipment based exercises in order to create the pure mat work sessions that we are familiar with today.
Having trained in Stott Pilates and attended courses with Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel and British Pilates expert Alan Herdman I aim to achieve a classic matwork class that encompasses the original 34 exercises outlined in Joe's book as well as incorporating the new modifications that sports scientists and physiotherapists have discovered today.
Joseph Pilates method was considered revolutionary in 1945 and it still offers amazing benefits for our modern society. There is no need to deviate from his original design and if performed properly and implemented through your life you can discover the balance of mind and body that he intended his exercises to achieve.