Joe Pilates was a movement enthusiast who began developing the Pilates exercise method in the early 20th century. He and his wife Clara Pilates taught a devoted clientele in a small studio in New York for 40+ years.
A few students continued to teach the work after his death in 1967. These "Pilates elders" include Ron Fletcher, Eve Gentry, Kathy Grant, Romana Kryzanowska, and Carola Trier. Much of our contemporary understanding of the Pilates method is due to the dedication and creativity of these notable teachers.
While it may seem unusual, working out in bare feet has a number of added benefits including improved traction, proprioception and overall coordination through the lower limbs. Releasing tension in the hips and lower back can be directly related to how you use your feet.
Prioritizing awareness and embodiment is a hallmark of many contemporary somatic techniques, which are generally used to re-train habitual pathologies in the body. Joseph Pilates wrote extensively about the importance of "concentration," or paying attention to how you are moving your body and not just mindlessly going through the motions.
A mindful approach to Pilates means refining and practicing your attention in motion.
