Balance
out of
Hardship
THE ORIGIN OF THE PILATES SYSTEM
Born
Whenmost people think of Pilates, they think of the exercise trend that was the butt of a hundred ’90s sitcom jokes. In reality, this systemof stretches and workouts is a great option for people of all ages looking to stay active, tone their muscles, and improve their balance, all withminimal space and equipment requirements. One need only look at the history of Pilates to understand how this century-old discipline has helped shape exercise science today. Unlikely Beginnings The man for whom the Pilates system is named, Joseph Pilates, was no stranger to health challenges. Born in Germany in the late 19th century, Joseph suffered fromboth asthma and rickets, making any formof physical activity difficult. But rather than shy away from exercise, he enthusiastically followed his father into gymnastics, later picking up bodybuilding andmartial arts. Instead of being held back by his body, Josephmade it his life’s mission to help
far as training ScotlandYard officers in self-defense after moving to England in 1912. Then the FirstWorldWar broke out. Despite having worked closely with English law enforcement, Joseph’s nationality was enough to land him in an internment camp alongside fellowGerman citizens. As the world was consumed by the bloodiest conflict it had ever seen, the young fitness instructor did what he did best: He helped those around himget stronger and healthier.
Knowledge ThroughAdversity In this internment camp, the system that would eventually become Pilates was developed. Because of the constraints of
captivity, Joseph had to devise exercises that didn’t rely heavily on equipment and could be performed in tight, confined spaces. To this day, Pilates remains one of the most flexible, scalable fitness methods around.
himself and others live healthy lives. Eventually, he would begin developing his own fitness theories.
The techniques first developed by Joseph Pilates are still practiced today, helping thousands of people develop their core postural muscles, gain better fitness, and improve their balance. As a result of his forward-looking techniques and steadfast spirit of personal development, Joseph Pilates remains an inspiring figure in the world of physical fitness.
Light in aDark Time Joseph became a known quantity in the fitness world, going as
THE Synergy WAY It’s that time of year again— the weather is cold, the days are short, and you know that snuggled warmly in your home is the best place to be. You have the post-holiday blues because you ate toomuch, and now your clothes don’t fit. Everywhere you look, there is another fitness expert encouraging another NewYear’s resolution. You know this is the best time to address your physical fitness and get a great deal on it, but youmay be unsure of which route to choose. Most people have misconceptions about what they need to do to be able to attain their fitness goals. The first step is to ask yourself how committed you are to getting results. Exercise is not a temporary solution to a healthy lifestyle— it is an ongoing habit that requires dedication and commitment. There are a million excuses to quit when you first begin a journey toward a healthy lifestyle, but if youmake your goals your priority, you won’t quit this time. Once you’re ready to commit, it’s time to find the right place to work out. A large gym with equipment spread around, mirrors everywhere, and people doing their own thing can be intimidating. This type of gymwill give you all the tools you need, but you still need to learn proper technique, form, and what heart rate parameters are right for you. Youmay be savingmoney up front on this type of conditioning, but youmay have expensive medical bills after a potential injury. The best way to get the results you are looking for —with accountability and education— is to find a personal trainer. When looking for a personal trainer, do your research, because they are all different. A personal trainer should be able to educate Fitness Routine
you in a way that sets you up for success. Meet with your trainer one-on-one to see if they are a goodmatch for you, because if you don’t fit with your trainer, you will not see the results you really want. A studio like Synergy Fitness is a great place to start an exercise routine. If you are looking for a relaxed environment with no judgment, no ego, and—best of all —no mirrors, this is the place for you. Synergy Fitness’philosophy is to help those looking for a healthy, strong, and confident body with personal trainers who take time to educate andmotivate clients, pushing them in positive ways that change their lives. Many clients training at Synergy see a significant improvement in their lifestyle and create positive habits that stick. A strong body is a healthy body, so step out of hibernation and into Synergy! Call Synergy Fitness at 860.432.590 for your free consultation. Your body will love you for it.
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