About Us - Pilates-Institute

Past, Present & Future

THE PAST
In order to move forward we need to look back – Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time. His skill was in creativity and his understanding of the body was instinctive, he studied movement of all types including animals in the zoo. There are many stories about clients visiting him with specific problems such as knee or ankle pain. They all report that he did not give them any specific exercise for the area of their body they were complaining about, but with his help they recovered from the injury. His philosophy being that when the body is properly aligned and breathing is to the optimum, health is the result.

There is no doubt that regular practice of Joseph Pilates’ Body Contrology (as he called it) results in a strong, flexible and aligned body. However, until recently there has been no research to prove why. Consequently the medical profession have been slow to recognise the technique as effective for rehabilitation. The history is anecdotal and as such can appear to be Chinese whispers.

The consistent power of the technique has been kept current by the passion of participants who know that the effects are real and life changing.

In his time Joseph Pilates only certified 2 people, Lolita San Miguel and Kathy Grant. Teachers learned the repertoire by experience and each added their own personality and style to their programme, consequently there are many perspectives on the technique, all of them delivered by people passionate about Joseph Pilates’ method.

THE PRESENT
Fortunately, we are living in a time of research and evidences based training. In 1999 Australian Physiotherapist investigated the connection between the deep postural muscles and the stability of the pelvis. The published research which proved the Transversus Abdominis in conjunction with the Diaphragm, Pelvic Floor and Multitfidus muscles when functioning well, created sufficient abdominal pressure to help stabilise the lumbar spine. This work was written up in their book Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stability ISBN 0443072930. In order to apply this research into a Pilates programme, the Pilates Institute modified the original repertoire as taught by most schools and designed the foundation programme of our Masters Certification programme.

This programme has been successful worldwide. With the continuing huge demand for the Pilates technique the population has changed from highly conditioned dancers and athletes to everyday exercisers and unfit participants. The ability of the Pilates Institute programme to allow all people with all skill levels to participate has been a significant factor in our success.

By allowing everyone to take part and develop within their own range of ability, retention of clients and the increased confidence and ability of class participants is evidence of how successful our programme continues to be.

The Directors and faculty of the Pilates Institute are dedicated to improving the quality of the training programme and with this endeavor they continue to spread the word on all continents.

All three directors of the Pilates Institute have been instrumental in the development of Pilate’s education in the UK and they will continue to work towards raising education standards worldwide.

THE FUTURE
The Pilates Institute has License holders in 21 countries throughout the world. The mission of the Pilates Institute is to standardise the criteria for Pilate’s education throughout these countries.

As a training provider, the Pilates Institute recognises and respects each country’s individuality and culture. The consequence of this is that each country will come to the Pilates Institute standard in it's own way. Ultimately, the quality of the training and its delivery are paramount and the directors and faculty of the Pilates Institute will work together to maintain and improve education standards wherever their Masters Certification programme is delivered.