Joseph Pilates is known as the inventor of the method of physical fitness named after him – “Pilates”. Joseph had a gymnast father and a mother who was naturopath, but even then, he was a sickly child who suffered from several conditions like asthma and rheumatic fever. It was perhaps through the quality of childhood he had that “Pilates” was invented. The said method was also known as contrology, which involves the use of the mind to control the muscles. In essence, the method seeks to improve muscle control, strength, and flexibility.
Joseph Pilates also wrote books that describe how contrology works, and in his books are found these famous fitness quotes:
“In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you’ll be on your way to having a whole new body.”
“Physical fitness can neither be achieved through wishful thinking nor outright purchase.”
“The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.”
“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.”
“Before any real benefit can be derived from physical exercises, one must first learn how to breathe properly. Our very life depends on it.”
“Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty not only to attain it but to maintain it.”
“The science of Contrology disproves that prevalent and all-too-trite saying, ‘You’re only as old as you feel.’ The art of Contrology proves that the only real guide to your true age lies not in years or how you think you feel but as you actually are as infallibly indicated by the degree of natural and normal flexibility enjoyed by your spine throughout life.”
“If, at the age of 30, you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If, at 60, you are supple and strong then you are young.”
“Contrology is not a system of haphazard exercises designed to produce only bulging muscles. … Nor does Contrology err either by over-developed a few muscles at the expense of all others with resulting loss of grace and suppleness, or a a sacrifice of the heart or lungs. Rather, it was conceived to limber and stretch muscles and ligaments so that your body will be as supple as that of a cat and not muscular like that of the body of a brewery-truck horse, or the muscle-bound body of the professional weight lifter you so much admire at the circus.”
Pilates is one form of exercise that will surely help you stay fit all throughout your life. Let these words from Joseph Pilates inspire you not just to try out his method of exercise but to strive to become physically fit in whichever way you find right for you.
