Are you a CONTROLOGIST?

Pilates is so, so much more than just a bunch of amazing exercises to lengthen, stretch and strengthen the body! Joseph Pilates created a Method, a code for living a better life, to revitalise, reenergise, renew and rejoice in our physical, mental and spiritual selves.

“Physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of  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” 

To fully understand all the elements of Contrology we just need to read his book, Return to Life through Contrology. He clearly outlines each element and how they should be implemented in our daily routines to fully live and breathe his Method.

PLAY

“…..is not necessarily only confined and indulging in conventional games. Rather the term “play” embraces every possible form of PLEASURABLE LIVING”

Joseph Pilates recognised the stress and strain our work life places on our mental health and he encourages us to socialise with family and friends and partake in hobbies.

THE EXERCISES

“If you will faithfully perform your Contrology exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months as outlined in RETURN TO LIFE you will find your body development approaching the ideal accompanied by renewed mental vigour and spiritual enhancement”

Joseph Pilates insisted the exercises are performed more than just once a week! So do your homework!!!

BREATHING & CIRCULATION

The breath in Pilates is highlighted so often but rather than  a set of rules to move to, importance needs to be placed on the quality of the breath, on the “BODILY HOUSE-CLEANING WITH BLOOD CIRCULATION”

Joseph Pilates stated that with the Contrology

“Correct breathing results in full oxygenation and warding off fatigue…….circulation to oxygenation, absorb and feed every fibre and tissue of your body”

PROPER DIET

“Eat only enough food to restore the fuel consumed by the body…merely eating to staisfy one’s lust for good food is both foolish and dangerous to one’s health”

Sound advice! No fad diets- just match your eating habits to the energy you expend in work and exercise.

Joseph also encouraged us to have regular physical check-ups and then follow any medical advice so that any issues can be “nipped in the bud”

SLEEP

“……must supplement or exercises in our quest for physical fitness”

He advised us to sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room, have a firm mattress and no bulky pillows. If sleep eludes us we should perform our exercises to tire ourselves rather than succumb to the toxins created by the nervousness of insomnia.

OUTDOORS

“Never fail to get all the sunshine and fresh air you can”

Joseph Pilates asked us to remember that our skin also breathes, we should wear shorts and allow the life-giving ultra violet rays reach and penetrate into every skin pore.

CLEANLINESS

“Good stiff brush….stimulates circulation, thoroughly cleans out the pores of the skin and removes dead skin… your body creates through the pores of the skin… clean, open pores permit perspiration to uninterruptedly elevate the positions of your body”

We can watch footage of Joseph Pilates body-scrubbing, showing us how the very action of performing this daily twisting and turning the body, helping it to move with more freedom.

“The man who uses intelligence with respect to his diet, sleeping habits and who exercises properly is beyond any doubt taking the very best preventative medicines provided so freely and abundantly by nature.”

So are you a Contrologist?

If the answer is “yes” then you are a CONTROLOGIST!