Pilates Studio

Momentum Pilates Studio is dedicated to bringing the Pilates Method to the Minneapolis area. Located in the heart of Uptown this quaint studio brings the one-on-one attention to its clientele that Joseph Pilates thought was so crucial. Momentum Pilates Studio is fully equipped and incorporates the Reformer , Cadillac , Wunda Chair , Foam Rollers & Physioballs into personal training sessions. Mat Work is a popular form of the Pilates Method. It is great forum to learn and master the key principles of Pilates. Classes for all levels are offered at Momentum.

Developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises developed on specially designed equipment. The Pilates Method focuses on the whole body. This is accomplished by coordinating the upper and lower muscle systems within the bodys center, thus encouraging a fluent body. This process lends to increased strength, flexibility, posture and coordination. The Method focuses on the Whole Body, thus fusing breathing with movements, body mechanics, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility.

"Nobody will understand the
importance of my work for 50 years"
Joseph Pilates, about 50 years ago

Joseph Pilates

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880, developing an interest in body conditioning all his life. Frail during childhood his quest for strength made him a successful skier, diver, gymnast and boxer.

Joseph Pilates, also known as Joe, became a performer and boxer around 1914, making England his home. When World War-I (WWI) started, he was subject to forced internment like other German citizens in Lancaster, England.

In the England camp he gave lessons to other camp members in the concepts and exercises resulting from over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimens. It was also then that he came up with original exercises that are now called matwork referring to floor exercises. Contrology was the name he gave this regimen.

1926 was the year he emigrated to the United States. He met Clara, now his wife, en-route. Once in New York, he got started with a fitness studio, with an address co-shared with New York City Ballet. Joe became the proponent of his method while Clara his wife, being a trained nurse, set about adding health benefits into the exercises and methods for the chronically ill and injured clients. The unique... Full Joseph Pilates article...

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