Pilates for men

“The exercise system that Joseph Pilates invented back in the early 20th century was used to help soldiers to rehabilitate from wounds sustained in World War 1, and then became the method of choice for dancers trying to remain supple to avoid injury. It subsequently gained popularity with actors, injury prone athletes and those who found their desk jobs were playing havoc with their backs.
Joseph Pilates initially designed the exercises for himself. His body was twisted and stunted from childhood rickets, rheumatic fever and asthma, but with a mixture of intuition, dedication and sheer hard work, he transformed himself into a professional boxer, circus performer, self defence instructor, gymnast and health guru. Pilates is not just about doing some exercise 2 or 3 times a week.
The real benefits come when you extend the theory into everyday life and learn to use correct posture at home, at work, in the car and playing sport...”

The article continues to outline some simple exercises to help improve posture. The article and exercises are reproduced courtesy of the book PILATES FOR MEN by Alan Hardman with Gill Paul, published by Gaia Books. Photography is © Paul Forrester/Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. The book is available on SPECIAL OFFER to Yoga & Health magazine readers. Please see page 5 of the November 2007 issue of the magazine for details.